More Than 10 Maoists Killed in Fierce Encounter With Security Forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma

In a major success for security forces battling Left Wing Extremism, more than 10 Maoist cadres were killed in a fierce encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Friday, officials said. The gunfight took place in the dense forest areas of the Bastar region, long considered a stronghold of Maoist insurgents.

The encounter occurred during an intelligence-based anti-Maoist operation launched by joint teams of security personnel, including the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and other specialised units. Acting on specific inputs about the presence of armed Maoist cadres in the area, the forces moved deep into the forest under the jurisdiction of Kistaram police station, where they came under fire from insurgents, triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire.

Senior police officials confirmed that the bodies of more than 10 Maoists were recovered from the encounter site. Preliminary identification suggests that some of those killed were senior cadres associated with local Maoist committees, indicating a significant blow to the organisational structure of the banned outfit in the region. A search of the area led to the recovery of automatic weapons, ammunition, and other incriminating materials, pointing to the level of preparedness of the insurgents.

Officials said the operation was carried out with careful planning to minimise risk to security personnel. No casualties were reported among the forces during the encounter, although search operations are still underway to ensure there are no hidden threats in the surrounding forest zones.

The Sukma district has witnessed repeated Maoist attacks over the years and remains one of the most sensitive areas in Chhattisgarh’s fight against left-wing extremism. The region’s difficult terrain and dense forests have often provided cover for insurgent groups, making counter-insurgency operations challenging.

Security officials said the latest encounter is part of a sustained offensive against Maoist networks aimed at dismantling their operational capabilities. The focus has been on disrupting leadership structures, arms supply routes, and training bases deep inside forested areas. Increased coordination between central and state forces, along with improved intelligence gathering, has led to more targeted operations in recent months.

Authorities noted that Maoist activity in Chhattisgarh has shown signs of decline due to persistent pressure from security forces. However, officials cautioned that sporadic violence remains a threat, and operations will continue with full intensity to prevent regrouping or retaliatory attacks by surviving cadres.

Additional reinforcements have been deployed in nearby areas, and area domination and combing operations are ongoing to flush out any remaining Maoists who may have escaped during the encounter. Security forces have also stepped up vigilance in neighbouring districts to prevent the movement of insurgents across forest corridors.

The latest development underscores the government’s continued push to restore peace and stability in Maoist-affected regions. Officials reiterated that alongside security measures, development initiatives and outreach programmes are being pursued to address the root causes of extremism and bring lasting normalcy to affected areas.