A high-intensity operation against left-wing extremists unfolded in Chhattisgarh’s insurgency-hit Dantewada district on Monday morning, resulting in the death of a woman Maoist during an armed confrontation with security forces.
The encounter took place at around 9 AM along the Dantewada-Bijapur border, following intelligence reports indicating the presence of Maoist rebels in the dense forests of the region. Acting swiftly on this information, security personnel launched an operation in the area, triggering an exchange of gunfire with the insurgents.
During the operation, security forces successfully neutralized a female Maoist cadre. Officials confirmed that an automatic INSAS rifle was recovered from the deceased rebel, along with other weaponry and combat gear. The discovery of this sophisticated firearm has raised concerns about the growing arsenal of Maoist fighters in the region.
Rising Maoist Casualties Amid Escalated Operations
With this latest casualty, the total number of Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh so far this year has climbed to 135. In comparison, 219 Maoists were eliminated in counter-insurgency operations in the previous year, 2024.
As of the latest reports, the situation remains tense, with intermittent firing still underway in the area as security forces continue their combing operations to track down more insurgents who may be hiding in the thick forest cover.
Police Recover Explosives and Other Materials
Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai stated that in addition to the firearms, security personnel also seized explosives and various materials commonly used by Maoists in their guerrilla warfare tactics.
“We have also found explosives and materials used by them. Search operations are ongoing to ensure the complete sanitization of the area,” Rai said, emphasizing that forces remain vigilant as further encounters are possible.
Government’s Aggressive Crackdown on Left-Wing Extremism
This latest clash comes in the wake of an intensified anti-Maoist campaign in Chhattisgarh, a stronghold of left-wing extremism, where security operations have been significantly ramped up. The central and state governments have reiterated their commitment to completely eradicating Maoist influence from the region in the coming years.
The renewed offensive against Maoist groups gained momentum following a decisive push from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who recently declared that the government is committed to eliminating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) from India by March 2026. The home minister emphasized that sustained counter-insurgency measures would be employed to dismantle the operational networks of the Maoists
The frequency and intensity of anti-Maoist operations have seen a significant rise since the beginning of 2024, particularly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai assumed power in Chhattisgarh. The new administration has adopted a no-tolerance policy toward insurgents and has accelerated efforts to bolster security in Maoist-affected districts.
As security forces continue their search operations in the region, the battle against left-wing extremism remains a major focus for both the state and central governments. With ongoing encounters and heightened intelligence-based operations, authorities remain determined to weaken the stronghold of Maoist insurgents and restore peace to the conflict-ridden areas of Chhattisgarh.