Major Success for Security Forces: Two Hardcore Naxals Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter, AK-47 Recovered
Raipur, April 16, 2025: In a significant anti-Naxal operation, security forces in Chhattisgarh gunned down two top Naxal commanders in the dense forests near the Kondagaon-Narayanpur border early Wednesday morning. The encounter, which took place in the Kilam-Bargum forest area, led to the elimination of Halder and Rame—both considered key operatives in the Naxalite network.
Operation Details
The anti-Naxal operation was launched based on intelligence inputs about Naxal presence in the region. Joint teams from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters were deployed to comb the forested zone late Tuesday. As the forces advanced, they came under heavy fire from hidden Naxals, prompting a retaliatory gun battle that lasted for several hours.
By Wednesday morning, security personnel had recovered the bodies of two Naxals—identified as Halder, a Divisional Committee Member of the East Bastar Division, and Rame, an Area Committee Member. Authorities revealed that Halder carried a bounty of ₹8 lakh, while Rame had a ₹5 lakh reward on his head, totaling ₹13 lakh.
Weapons and Items Recovered
The search of the encounter site led to the seizure of:
One AK-47 assault rifle
Other firearms and ammunition
Explosive materials
Naxal literature and communication devices
Search Operations Continue
Security forces are currently continuing combing operations in the dense terrain, suspecting more Naxals might still be hiding nearby. Drones and sniffer dogs have also been deployed to aid the search in difficult terrain. Senior police officials are on high alert in surrounding districts to prevent any retaliatory attacks.
Official Statement
A senior police officer overseeing the operation stated,
“This encounter is a major blow to the Naxal network operating in East Bastar. The presence of top operatives and the recovery of an AK-47 points to their long-term planning and potential for violence. Our teams are on alert, and the search will continue until the area is fully secured.”
Background: Naxal Influence in the Region
The Kondagaon-Narayanpur border falls within one of Chhattisgarh’s most Naxal-affected regions. This terrain has historically served as a stronghold for extremist elements, owing to its dense forests, hilly terrain, and limited connectivity.
Despite several surrenders in recent years, Naxal groups remain active in certain pockets, targeting infrastructure, security installations, and civilians who oppose their ideology.
Recent Naxal Developments
Interestingly, this operation follows another Naxal-related incident in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district just a day earlier, where a wanted Naxalite named Rupesh Mandavi alias Sukhdev surrendered before the police. He was carrying a bounty of ₹5 lakh.
According to police officials, Mandavi surrendered due to:
Growing disillusionment with Maoist ideology
Internal conflicts and factionalism within the Naxal ranks
The state government’s new rehabilitation policy, which encourages Naxals to lay down arms in return for reintegration support
His surrender is being hailed as a testament to the state’s soft and hard-line dual approach in handling the Naxal issue.
State Government’s Anti-Naxal Policy
The Chhattisgarh government’s comprehensive anti-Naxal strategy combines intensified security operations with:
Rehabilitation and surrender schemes
Development of tribal and remote regions
Road construction, education, and healthcare outreach in red zones
Officials believe this multi-pronged approach is steadily eroding the support base of Naxalites.
Public Safety Advisory
Following the encounter, the police have urged local residents to remain calm and report any suspicious activities in the forested areas. Helplines have been activated, and patrolling has increased in nearby villages to prevent any fear-mongering or disruption.
Outcomes:
Today’s successful operation marks another step in Chhattisgarh’s ongoing battle against Naxalism. By neutralizing high-value targets and simultaneously encouraging surrenders, the state hopes to pave the way for long-term peace and development in the affected regions.
