Security forces in Chhattisgarh struck a major blow to Maoist insurgency with the elimination of 10 Maoists in an intense encounter in Gariaband district. The slain rebels carried a combined bounty of ₹5.22 crore, officials confirmed.
Among those neutralised was Central Committee member Modem Balkrishna, also known by aliases Manoj and Bhaskar. He was one of the most wanted Maoist leaders, accused in 18 serious cases, including the assassinations of former Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Alimineti Madhava Reddy in a 2000 IED blast and DIG K S Vyas, who was shot dead during a morning jog. Vyas was instrumental in founding the elite Greyhounds force that decimated Maoist influence in Andhra Pradesh.
Police also confirmed the deaths of two Odisha State Committee members, identified as Pramod alias Pandu and Vimal alias Manganna. The gun battle erupted on Thursday afternoon in the Rajadera-Matal hills, under Mainpur police station limits. Security forces later recovered 10 sophisticated weapons, including AK-47s, SLRs, and INSAS rifles, from the site.
Additional Director General of Police (Naxal Operations) Vivekanand Sinha hailed the encounter as a turning point. He said, &ldquo;So far, security forces have killed the CPI-Maoist general secretary and three Central Committee members. This is a big achievement. All forces, Chhattisgarh Police, CRPF, ITBP and BSF are working shoulder to shoulder to eradicate Naxalism. This encounter will have a huge impact in Gariaband and Dhamtari, and in the days ahead, we may see more Naxals surrendering.&rdquo;
Officials believe the operation will disrupt Maoist activities across multiple districts and weaken their operational chain. The crackdown is also expected to encourage more surrenders, as security forces tighten their grip on the Maoist network.

10 Maoists Killed, ₹5.22 Cr Bounty Wiped Out

Chhattisgarh encounter eliminates top Maoists, including Central Committee leader

10 Maoists Killed, ₹5.22 Cr Bounty Wiped Out

Chhattisgarh encounter eliminates top Maoists, including Central Committee leader

September 13, 2025 | 09:14 IST