An anti-Naxal operation in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, has resulted in the elimination of three Maoist operatives, carrying a combined reward of Rs 15 lakh. The encounter took place on Sunday morning in the dense forests of Tumalpad village, a sensitive area bordering the Bhejji and Chintagufa police stations. Security forces launched the mission after receiving specific intelligence about Maoist activity.
Officials confirmed the identities of the neutralized Naxalites as Madvi Deva (area committee member), Podiam Gangi (CNM commander), and Sodhi Gangi (Kistaram area committee member). The confrontation ensued after security personnel, acting on tip-offs, initiated a search operation, leading to a fierce gunbattle.
Following the intense firefight, the bodies of the three Naxalites, two of whom were female, were retrieved. The Inspector General of Police for Bastar Range noted that extensive search operations are still underway to ensure no further Naxal presence remains. The security forces also seized a cache of arms and explosives.
Recovered items include powerful weapons like Barrel Grenade Launchers (BGLs) and VGA launchers, alongside a 303 rifle and various other ammunition. This success marks another milestone in the ongoing campaign against Naxal insurgency, with over 233 Naxalites neutralized in the Bastar range this year alone. The government’s resolve to eradicate Maoism by next year remains firm.