In Chindakhadak village of Kanker district, Chhattisgarh, tension rose on Sunday morning as security forces engaged in a fierce encounter with Maoist insurgents. By the end of the clash, three rebels—two men and a woman—were killed, adding to the rising toll of an ongoing conflict that has long affected the Bastar region. This encounter brings the total number of Maoists killed in the state this year to 252, with 223 deaths reported in Bastar, known as the center of Left Wing Extremism, according to the Indian Express.
Planned Operation by Security Forces
Kanker Superintendent of Police, I Kalyan Elesela, said the mission was carefully prepared. “Based on intelligence about Maoists’ movements, a joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) from Kanker and Gariaband, along with the Border Security Force (BSF), carried out the operation,” he said. The three killed insurgents were senior members of the group. They were identified as Sarvan Madkam, alias Vishwanth, and Budhram Punem, the coordination in-charge of the Sitanandi Ravas committee, with a bounty of Rs 8 lakh; Rajesh, alias Rakesh Hemla, a Nagri Area Committee member and Local Organisation Squad (LOS) commander, with a Rs 5 lakh bounty; and Basanti Kunjam, alias Hidme Piyem, a Protection Team member with a Rs 1 lakh bounty. Together, their bounties totaled Rs 14 lakh.
Weapons Recovered from the Encounter
Security forces seized several weapons at the site, including a Self Loading Rifle, an automatic gun, a .303 rifle, and a 12-bore gun. These firearms highlight the heavy firepower that continues to drive the conflict in the region. Sundarraj P, Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, appealed to remaining Maoist members. “We urge Maoist cadres to recognize that their movement is weakening. It is time for them to give up violence and join the mainstream, using the government’s rehabilitation programs. Those who continue illegal activities will face strict action,” he said.
Ongoing Toll of the Conflict
Since 2024, 471 Maoists have been killed in Chhattisgarh due to security operations. However, the violence has not only affected insurgents. In the same period, 39 security personnel and 107 civilians have lost their lives in Maoist-related incidents.
