Chhattisgarh: Massive Anti-Maoist Operation in Bijapur Enters Seventh Day, Security Forces Maintain Pressure
A large-scale anti-Maoist operation in the Karregutta hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border has entered its seventh day, with security forces continuing to hold ground amid ongoing encounters with Maoist insurgents.
Since the launch of the operation on April 21, three Maoists have been confirmed killed and three security personnel have sustained injuries. However, officials suggest the actual Maoist casualty figure could be higher.
A senior police official, overseeing the operation, noted that the Maoists are exhibiting mixed responses to the sustained pressure.
“Some are hiding, others are attempting to flee, and a few are preparing to resist. Our forces are not retreating; they are firmly positioned and will keep advancing,” the officer said on condition of anonymity.
The operation, which involves approximately 7,000 personnel from both central and state security forces, is focused on the Karregutta hill range.
This area is believed to be a stronghold of top Maoist leaders, heavily protected by Battalion 1 of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) — the most feared and combat-ready unit of the Maoist armed wing.
During the combing efforts, security forces discovered a large natural cave suspected to have been used as a Maoist hideout, as well as a concealed pit covered with bamboo, plastic, soil, and grass, believed to be used for storing supplies.
“We are in the process of documenting and securing all materials recovered. A complete inventory will be disclosed once the search operation concludes,” an official confirmed.
On Sunday, a CRPF jawan from the elite CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) unit sustained minor injuries due to the blast from an improvised explosive device (IED), reportedly planted by the PLGA Battalion 1.
Previously, two other personnel — one from the Special Task Force (STF) and another from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) — were injured in earlier phases of the operation.
Officials attribute the current situation to a sustained crackdown on Maoist activity over the past year. Security forces have systematically established police camps and conducted operations to eliminate Maoist influence, gradually shrinking their safe zones and forcing them into defensive positions in the hills.
The ongoing operation reflects a major effort to dismantle Maoist infrastructure and leadership in the region, and security agencies have reiterated their commitment to maintaining pressure until the insurgents are neutralized or apprehended.
