Intense 48-Hour Clash Erupts in Maoist Stronghold of Abujmarh
The remote and treacherous Maoist headquarters of Abujmarh has transformed into a violent battleground as elite C-60 commandos and central paramilitary forces engage in a fierce firefight with guerrillas that has now stretched beyond 48 hours. The operation, launched from the newly established forward base at Binagunda in the heart of Abujmarh, represents a significant escalation in anti-naxal efforts.
Casualties and Evacuation Challenges in Hostile Terrain
Security sources confirm that one Maoist guerrilla has been killed, with his body retrieved from the encounter site near Fodewada village. The rebel death toll is anticipated to rise as verification efforts intensify using drones and ground patrols. On the security forces' side, a critically injured commando sustained a bullet wound during close combat and is being evacuated under extremely difficult conditions.
The evacuation process has been hampered by the treacherous terrain and near-total darkness, highlighting the operational challenges in this booby-trapped region along the Narayanpur-Gadchiroli corridor. The injured commando's condition remains serious as medical teams work against time and environmental obstacles.
Strategic Operation Based on Credible Intelligence
The encounter began on Tuesday night following specific intelligence regarding movements of Maoist Company No. 10 and a Chhattisgarh 'dalam' formation. Fourteen elite commando units swiftly moved into the core of Abujmarh under the leadership of sub-divisional police officer Amar Mohite from Bhamragad.
Forces successfully encircled an area approximately 2 kilometers north of Fodewada, aiming to trap the guerrillas in the dense, hostile jungle terrain. The operation escalated dramatically on Wednesday morning with prolonged exchanges of fire that resulted in the decimation of two rebel camps.
Significant Arms Recovery and Ongoing Search Operations
Security forces have recovered a substantial cache of weapons and materials from the destroyed Maoist camps, including:
- An AK-47 assault rifle
- A self-loading rifle
- Various documents and ammunition
- Other guerrilla equipment
Although Maoists initially evaded capture by retreating into thick forest cover, C-60 commandos maintained pressure, resulting in at least one confirmed rebel death and several injuries. Reinforcements arrived on Thursday morning with four additional C-60 units and a Quick Action Team from the CRPF joining the operation to tighten the cordon and intensify search efforts.
High-Stakes Mission Under New Leadership
This operation marks the first major encounter under newly appointed Director General of Police Sadanand Date, a veteran of the Mumbai 26/11 attacks and former NIA chief. DGP Date recently inspected the remote Binagunda outpost, which served as the launchpad for this mission. The Binagunda forward base was specifically established to extend security reach into previously ungoverned areas, enabling rapid response to intelligence inputs.
The joint involvement of state and central forces reflects a coordinated strategy to dismantle Maoist strongholds in this border zone, where extremists have historically exploited geographical challenges for guerrilla tactics. This high-stakes mission underscores Maharashtra's aggressive action against Left-wing extremism, aligned with the national deadline of March 31 to eradicate remaining Maoist pockets.
Ongoing Operations and Strategic Implications
As sporadic gunfire continued through Thursday, demonstrating the resilience of guerrillas despite mounting pressure, search teams continue combing the rugged jungle to flush out surviving cadres and secure additional evidence. Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal confirmed that the identity of the slain Maoist is being ascertained.
The operation remains active, with forces maintaining their presence in the challenging terrain. This encounter not only disrupts Maoist logistics and communication networks but also significantly boosts morale among security forces engaged in one of India's most difficult counter-insurgency theaters. The successful establishment and utilization of the Binagunda forward base represents a strategic advancement in the long-term campaign against Left-wing extremism in the region.
