Chhattisgarh Reports Major Gains in Anti-Maoist Campaign, 532 Killed Since 2024
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma announced on Friday that the state has achieved sharp gains in its anti-Maoist campaign, with 532 Maoists killed, 2,004 arrested, and 2,700 surrendered since January 2024. The government reiterated its commitment to meet the March 31, 2026 deadline to end armed Left-wing extremism in the region.
Sustained Operations and Rehabilitation Push Deliver Results
Addressing a press conference in Nava Raipur, Sharma stated that sustained security operations combined with a robust rehabilitation push are "delivering results on the ground." He highlighted that security forces have recovered approximately 1,100 weapons during this period, including AK-47s, INSAS rifles, self-loading rifles, light machine guns, mortars, and pistols.
Sharma provided further details on high-profile Maoist casualties and surrenders, noting that six Maoist politburo and central committee members were killed and two surrendered. Among Special Zonal Committee members, 17 were killed, seven surrendered, and one was arrested.
Rehabilitation Centers and Skill Training Initiatives
The deputy CM emphasized the state's rehabilitation efforts, revealing that seven rehabilitation centers are currently operational. Approximately 1,700 former Naxalites, including 410 women, have completed skill training so far, with 232 currently undergoing training.
Surrendered cadres are being provided with "welcome kits" that include mobile phones and assistance with obtaining Aadhaar, ration, and Ayushman cards to facilitate their re-entry into mainstream society.
Digital Transformation in Criminal Justice System
On the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), Sharma announced that Chhattisgarh is among the first states to implement this unified digital platform developed by the Centre. The ICJS links police, prosecution, forensic units, courts, and prisons to streamline criminal justice processes.
Bilaspur and Durg have been selected as pilot districts where all "five pillars" have been integrated, with plans to expand the system statewide within six months.
Cybercrime Crackdown and District-Level Enforcement
Regarding cybercrime, Sharma detailed the state's efforts to clamp down on online fraud and fake SIM issuance. Authorities have taken action against point-of-sale operators and "mule accounts," while blocking 255 online gambling links and portals as part of a major crackdown.
Cyber police stations have begun functioning in multiple districts including Raigarh, Korba, Rajnandgaon, Kabirdham, Mahasamund, Balodabazar, Janjgir-Champa, Jashpur, and Dhamtari to enhance digital security measures.
Religious Conversion Cases and Social Harmony
Sharma addressed religious conversion cases, noting that 38 cases were registered between 2001 and 2023, while 67 cases were registered in 2024 and 2025 combined. He attributed this increase to stricter enforcement measures aimed at maintaining social harmony in the state.
The comprehensive approach combining security operations, rehabilitation programs, digital justice initiatives, and cybercrime enforcement reflects Chhattisgarh's multi-faceted strategy to address security challenges while promoting social integration and technological advancement in governance.
