Seven Maoists Killed in Intensive Gadchiroli Operation
In a significant blow to left-wing extremism, seven Maoists were neutralized during a rigorous three-day anti-Naxal operation in the challenging terrain of Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra. The operation, which lasted three days and three nights, was conducted in extremely hostile forest areas, marking one of the most prolonged engagements by security forces in the region.
Operation Details and Leadership Neutralization
Superintendent of Police Neelotpal confirmed that the operation began 14 kilometers from the nearest accessible path, deep within remote forests. Among those killed was Prabhakar, a senior Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee Member (DKSZCM) who commanded the West Sub-Zonal Bureau, Gadchiroli Divisional Committee, and Company Number 10. Prabhakar carried a bounty of Rs 25 lakh and was implicated in 113 cases, including 73 encounters and 13 murders.
The operation was launched on February 3rd after police received credible intelligence that remaining members of Company Number 10 and other Maoists from Chhattisgarh were planning destructive activities in the Gadchiroli-Narayanpur border area. Led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Bhamragad Amar Mohite with 14 C-60 parties, security forces faced immediate resistance when Maoists opened indiscriminate fire during search operations on Wednesday.
Extended Engagement and Reinforcements
Due to the adverse terrain and dense forest cover, initial attempts to locate the Maoists proved challenging. Authorities decided to continue the operation on Thursday, reinforcing the existing cordon with four additional C-60 units and one CRPF QAT unit. Intermittent exchanges of fire continued throughout the engagement.
On Friday, police teams successfully recovered three Maoist bodies along with two firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and an SLR rifle. Later that same day, four more Maoist bodies were recovered from the encounter site. The total neutralization count reached seven by the operation's conclusion.
Casualties and Recoveries
Tragically, the operation claimed the life of C-60 commando Deepak Chinna Madavi, who was hit by a bullet despite wearing a bulletproof jacket during heavy firing on Thursday evening. He was airlifted from the deep forests of Abujhmaad but succumbed to his injuries at Sub-District Hospital, Bhamragad. Another commando, Joga Madavi, sustained bullet injuries but was airlifted to Gadchiroli and remains in stable condition.
Security forces seized substantial weaponry from the location, including:
- Three AK-47 rifles
- One SLR rifle
- One .303 rifle
- 173 live rounds
- Three BGLs
- Seven magazines
- Two bundles of cortex wire
Government Response and Future Outlook
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed mediapersons on Saturday, stating that those killed represented "the last remnants" of Maoist presence in Maharashtra. "Only a handful of Maoists remain on the Maharashtra side," Fadnavis declared. "Some are still in Chhattisgarh, but the way operations are progressing there, they too will be eliminated soon."
The Chief Minister praised the Gadchiroli police for their commendable work while acknowledging the sacrifice of the fallen commando. He assured that the government would take care of the martyr's family and expressed confidence that remaining cadres would either surrender or be neutralized.
SP Neelotpal made a bold prediction during his press conference, asserting that there will be no Maoists in Gadchiroli after March 31, 2026 – the deadline set by the government to end Maoism in the region.
Profile of Neutralized Maoists
The seven Maoists eliminated during the operation included:
- Prabhakar (57, Telangana): DKSZCM member with Rs 25 lakh bounty
- Pagu Modyam (30, Bijapur): Commander of Company Number 05 with Rs 16 lakh bounty
- Anila alias Budari Kowachi (24, Sukma): PPCM rank guard of Prabhakar with Rs 8 lakh bounty
- Kamesh Pada (35, Sukma): PPCM and Commander of Special Platoon Maad Area with Rs 8 lakh bounty
- Bhajnath alias Bhima Holi (40, Sukma): Paralkot LOS at ACM rank with Rs 6 lakh bounty
- Mangali Kursam (West Bastar): Company Number 10 member with Rs 4 lakh bounty
- Jogi Sodhi Madavi (27, Bijapur): Company Number 05 member with Rs 4 lakh bounty
The Maharashtra government had announced a total cash reward of Rs 71 lakh cumulatively on these individuals.
Strategic Significance
This operation represents a critical milestone in Maharashtra's efforts to eliminate left-wing extremism. The Maoist movement in Gadchiroli district is now confined to border areas of Bhamragad tehsil in Abujhmaad. The successful neutralization of senior leadership and multiple cadres significantly weakens the organizational structure of remaining Maoist elements in the region.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of senior officials including ADG (Spl Ops) Dr Chhering Dorje, Spl IGP ANO Sandip Patil, DIG Gadchiroli Range Ankit Goyal, and SP Gadchiroli Neelotpal, demonstrating coordinated efforts between multiple security agencies.
