30 Naxals Killed in Chhattisgarh, 2nd Most Supreme Leader eliminated in Operation Black Forest.
In one of the most significant anti-Naxal operations in recent years, 30 Naxalites have been killed in an intense encounter with security forces in the dense forest region of Abujhmad, located in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh. The gun battle, which began early this morning, is reported to be ongoing, with reinforcements and aerial surveillance deployed to maintain pressure on the remaining insurgents.
According to official sources, a senior leader of the banned CPI (Maoist), Nambala Keshava Rao, a ka Basavaraju the 2nd most Supreme leader of Naxals has been killed along with 29 other Naxals. He was a part of the central committee or a divisional commander, is among those killed. Security agencies are in the process of verifying the identity of the deceased leader. The recovery of arms, ammunition, and crucial documents from the site is underway.
One personnel from the security forces sustained injuries in the exchange of fire. He has been evacuated and is currently receiving treatment, and is said to be in stable condition.
Union Home Minister Amit Shaha also congratulated the success of the security forces and completion of Operation Black Forest which had so far resulted in killings and arrest of 54 Naxalites and surrender of 84 in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
“The Modi government is resolved to eliminate Naxalism before the 31st of March 2026”, he said in social media platform.
Unmatched Bravery💪
31 hardcore Naxals down!
India’s most decisive anti-Naxal strike in recent history!
Karegutta Hills Chhattisgarh: Now a symbol of sacrifice and strength.#IndianArmy #TirangaYatra 🇮🇳#NaxalFreeBharat pic.twitter.com/jJXDP66nzw— Pratima Chauhan (@Pratimach_98) May 14, 2025
Chhattisgarh Speaker Dr Raman Singh praises the state’s police force for a major success in Narayanpur, where 26 Naxals were neutralised during an ongoing operation. He appreciated their bravery amidst extreme temperatures and acknowledged the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Vijay Sharma Ji. Dr Singh reiterated the government’s commitment towards a Naxal-free India by 2026
The large-scale operation was launched two days ago by a joint team comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel from four districts — Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Kondagaon. The operation was initiated based on actionable intelligence indicating the presence of a high-ranking Maoist commander and a large group of armed cadres in the Abujhmad forest region — a known Naxal stronghold due to its difficult terrain and lack of road connectivity.
Chhattisgarh Speaker Dr Raman Singh praises the state’s police force for a major success in Narayanpur, where 26 Naxals were neutralised during an ongoing operation. He appreciated their bravery amidst extreme temperatures and acknowledged the leadership of Union Home Minister… pic.twitter.com/S0casDGArA
— DD News (@DDNewslive) May 21, 2025
Chhattisgarh DGP Ashok Juneja confirmed the developments and commended the bravery of the personnel involved. “This is a major success for the security forces. The Abujhmad area has long served as a safe haven for Naxalite leadership. Neutralizing such a large group, including a top leader, will have a demoralizing effect on the insurgency in Bastar region,” he said.
The operation is being described as part of a broader offensive strategy aimed at dismantling the operational infrastructure of Maoist groups in southern Chhattisgarh. Security forces have also seized sophisticated weapons, explosives, and backpacks containing communication devices and Maoist literature.
Senior officers from the state police and central paramilitary forces, including CRPF and its elite CoBRA unit, are monitoring the situation. Drones and choppers are being used to track movements and ensure no militants escape from the deep forest cover.
More details are expected to emerge in the coming hours as security forces continue combing operations and begin the process of identification of the bodies.
This encounter comes just weeks after another major confrontation in Bijapur district, signaling a shift in the government’s counterinsurgency approach, moving from reactive to proactive and intelligence-led operations in some of the most remote parts of the Bastar division.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and development in the tribal-dominated regions long affected by the Maoist insurgency.
|Also Read : Major Blow to Maoists in Chhattisgarh: Dozens Killed in Bhairamgarh| Encounter|
