At least three Maoists have been killed in an intense, ongoing encounter with security forces in the Karegutta hills of Chhattisgarh&rsquo;s Bijapur district, along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The operation, launched earlier this week, marks one of the largest joint anti-Naxal offensives in the region in recent years.
The encounter began following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of several top Maoist leaders, including Hidma Madvi, Deva, and Damodar&mdash;each carrying a bounty of ₹1 crore. Sources suggest that around 180-200 members of the Maoists&rsquo; elite People&rsquo;s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No 1 have been surrounded by the forces.
&ldquo;This battalion is considered the most dangerous and heavily armed Maoist unit,&rdquo; a senior official involved in the operation said.
Security forces involved in the joint operation include personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force (STF), and police from both Chhattisgarh and Telangana. Telangana&rsquo;s elite Greyhounds unit is also assisting from across the state border.
&ldquo;The other side of the hills is Telangana, and the Maoists are reportedly hiding on that side. Telangana Police are cooperating closely with us,&rdquo; the official added.
So far, three Maoist bodies have been recovered. However, the encounter is still underway and security sources warn that the death toll could rise. In addition to the fatalities, more than 100 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been recovered from the region. Landmine clearing operations are also ongoing to ensure the safety of advancing troops.
The offensive follows a pamphlet warning issued by a Maoist cadre in Telangana, urging villagers to avoid the Karegutta forest and hill areas due to planted explosives.
Despite these warnings, the security forces have pressed on with the objective of dismantling what is believed to be a key insurgent stronghold. Officials say the operation could continue for several more days as they work to neutralize the threat and restore peace in the area.
This crackdown follows similar successful anti-Maoist operations in Sukma and Dantewada districts, reflecting an intensified strategy by the government to combat left-wing extremism in the region.
&nbsp;(with inputs from IANS)
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April 24, 2025 | 15:07 IST