A fierce gun battle erupted between security forces and Naxalites in Gadchiroli district, eastern Maharashtra, on Wednesday. The encounter resulted in a significant victory for the security forces, with four Naxalites being killed, including three women. The incident occurred near the border of Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra and Narayanpur district in Chhattisgarh.
Police received credible intelligence on August 25th regarding the presence of Naxal groups, including the Gatta Dalam and Company Number 10, within the Koperashi forest area.
Following this information, the C-60, the anti-Naxalite commando unit of Gadchiroli Police, along with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), launched an operation. Despite heavy rain, a team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Oratizans M. Ramesh, advanced into the forest on Wednesday morning.
The Naxalites initiated the gunfire as the team was conducting searches, prompting a response from the security forces. The exchange of fire continued intermittently for about eight hours. After the encounter concluded, the bodies of four Naxalites (three women and one man) were recovered, along with one SLR rifle, two INSAS rifles, and a .303 rifle.
Anti-Naxal operations are ongoing along the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border. The district police and central security forces are conducting joint search operations in the forest region due to the potential presence of additional Naxalites. The encounter represents a major success for the security forces, considering the long-standing Naxalite presence in the area. Authorities have affirmed that the operation will be intensified to keep pressure on the Naxalites and to protect the local population.