In a significant counter-insurgency operation, security forces eliminated three Naxalites in an encounter in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh's Sukma district. The gunfight erupted during a targeted search operation by a joint team of security personnel in a region known for Maoist activity.
Details of the Sukma Encounter
The incident occurred in the forest near Tekalgudem village within the Konta police station limits. Acting on precise intelligence about the presence of armed Maoists, a joint contingent comprising District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and the Bastar Fighters launched a combing operation in the area. Upon being spotted, the Naxalites opened fire on the security team, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted for a considerable duration.
Once the firing ceased and the area was secured, the security forces conducted a thorough search of the encounter site. The bodies of three male Naxalites were recovered from the spot. The security personnel also seized a cache of weapons and Maoist-related materials from the site, which included:
- One .315 bore rifle
- One muzzle-loading gun
- Various items of daily use and literature associated with the banned outfit
Ongoing Anti-Naxal Operations in Bastar
This successful operation is part of the intensified and sustained anti-Naxal campaign being conducted by security forces across the Bastar region. The area, encompassing districts like Sukma, has been a longstanding hotbed of Left Wing Extremism (LWE). The joint teams, combining local knowledge and specialized training, have been actively conducting search and destroy missions based on actionable intelligence to dismantle the Maoist network.
Authorities have noted that such operations have put considerable pressure on the Naxalite cadres, disrupting their logistics and communication lines. The recovery of weapons indicates a direct hit on the armed capability of the group in this particular zone.
Aftermath and Identification Efforts
Following the encounter, the bodies of the slain Naxalites were transported to a nearby medical facility for post-mortem examination. The process of identifying the deceased is currently underway. Police officials are working to determine their identities and possible ranks within the Maoist hierarchy. No casualties were reported among the security forces during the operation.
A case has been registered, and a detailed investigation is in progress to gather further intelligence from the recovered materials. Senior police officials have commended the bravery and operational efficiency of the DRG and Bastar Fighters personnel involved in the high-risk mission. This encounter in Sukma is seen as a critical step in ensuring long-term security and paving the way for development in the region.
