Two Maoists Killed in Encounter, Command Switch IEDs Defused in Chhattisgarh
In a significant development in the ongoing anti-insurgency efforts, two Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Thursday morning. This incident brings the total number of Maoists neutralized this year to 22, as operations intensify ahead of the central government's March deadline to end the insurgency.
Details of the Encounter
The operation was conducted by Bijapur's District Reserve Guard (DRG) based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of a small group of armed Maoists. The encounter occurred at an undisclosed location in the southern part of Bijapur district. Firing commenced around 7 am and continued intermittently for over an hour, leading to a fierce exchange between the security forces and the insurgents.
Following the skirmish, during a thorough search operation, the bodies of two Maoists were recovered. Security personnel also seized an AK47 rifle, a 09 mm pistol, along with other weapons and explosives from the site. Additional Superintendent of Police Chandrakant Governa confirmed these details, stating that a comprehensive report will be shared once the ongoing search operation is complete.
Defusing of Command Switch IEDs
In a related security success earlier the same day, two command switch Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), each weighing between 20 to 30 kg, were detected and safely defused in Bijapur district. These IEDs had been strategically planted beneath a dirt road, rarely used by security forces for convoy movements, with the apparent intent to target a convoy.
The detection was made during a demining exercise conducted by the ninth battalion of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF), the Bijapur DRG, and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS). The IEDs were found approximately 6 km from the Lankapalli police camp in Lankapalli village, under the jurisdiction of the Elimidi police station. Officials revealed that the devices featured a command switch system with underground wires spread over 50 meters, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the threat.
Context of Recent Violence
This detection comes just days after 11 jawans were injured in six IED blasts on the eve of Republic Day in the same district. The location of the latest IEDs lies on the same axis of the Karegutta hills where the previous blasts occurred, indicating a persistent pattern of Maoist activity in the region.
IEDs remain one of the most potent weapons employed by Maoists. In 2025 alone, 1,202 such devices were detected and defused in the Bastar region. Despite these efforts, Maoist violence has continued to take a toll on security personnel. In 2025, at least 12 jawans, including an Additional Superintendent of Police, were killed by Maoists, with another 46 injured in IED blasts, some resulting in amputations. Similarly, in 2024, nine out of 19 jawans killed by Maoists died in IED explosions.
Broader Anti-Insurgency Trends
Over the past two years (2024-2025), security forces have neutralized more than 500 Maoists, with a majority of these encounters taking place in Bijapur district. During this period, Maoist violence has claimed the lives of 42 security personnel and 117 civilians, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
With less than three months remaining until the central government's March deadline to end the insurgency, significant progress has been made. Most senior leaders of the banned outfit have been neutralized, while others have surrendered or fled the state, marking a critical phase in the long-standing conflict.
