Five Maoists Killed in Gadchiroli Encounter Ahead of Maharashtra Polls

In a major success for the security forces, five Maoists were gunned down during an intense encounter in the dense forests of Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on Monday.

The operation, conducted by the elite C-60 commandos and units of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), took place near the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border, just weeks before the upcoming state assembly elections scheduled for November 20.

According to the Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) office, the anti-Naxal operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated that a group of Maoists had gathered in the forested region of Bhamragadh taluka, close to the Narayanpur district in Chhattisgarh, to disrupt the election process.

The Maoists, known for their stronghold in the Bastar region, were reportedly planning a major attack to destabilise the region ahead of the polls.

A joint force consisting of 22 teams of C-60 commandos and two units of the CRPF was dispatched to the area. The operation was strategically planned, with the forces advancing from two different directions under the supervision of senior officers.

As the security personnel neared the Maoist hideout, they were met with heavy gunfire. Despite the intense initial assault from the Maoists, the commandos quickly retaliated, resulting in the death of five Maoists.

Preliminary reports suggest that the slain Maoists were part of a larger group involved in the conspiracy to hinder the election process in the region.

The encounter also left one security personnel injured, who is now receiving treatment. The Gadchiroli police have initiated a search operation to comb the area for any remaining terrorists or hidden supplies.

The identities of the deceased Maoists are yet to be confirmed, and a press conference is expected on Tuesday to reveal more details.

This operation comes on the heels of another deadly incident in the region, where two Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel were martyred in an IED blast in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, just two days earlier.

The continued violence in the region underscores the ongoing threat posed by Maoists in the tribal belts of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

Earlier this month, a massive encounter in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur and Dantewada districts resulted in the death of 38 Maoists. Among them was Niti alias Urmila, a notorious female commander with 60 cases against her, including police-Naxal encounters, camp attacks, and IED blasts.

The Gadchiroli district, which shares a border with Chhattisgarh, has long been a Maoist stronghold, making it a key region for anti-Naxal operations.

Security forces remain on high alert, especially with the state elections just around the corner, as Maoists have historically attempted to disrupt political processes in these areas. The police have urged locals to cooperate and remain vigilant to ensure a peaceful election period.

Report by

Shomen Chandra

Sub Editor, The Narrative