Security forces dealt a significant blow to Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bhairamgarh, eliminating multiple insurgents in a major anti-Naxal operation on April 12.
In one of the most significant operations of the year, security forces have inflicted heavy casualties on Maoists during a fierce encounter in the Bhairamgarh area, located along the volatile Bijapur-Dantewada border in Chhattisgarh. The clash, which took place on Saturday, is being described as a major success in the ongoing anti-Maoist offensive in the Bastar region, reported agencies.
The agencies quoting senior police officials said, the operation was carried out based on specific intelligence inputs suggesting the presence of a large Maoist contingent in the forests near the Indravati river region of Bijapur district. A joint team comprising personnel from various security forces launched the operation at approximately 9:00 AM. The encounter that ensued lasted several hours, resulting in significant losses for the Maoists.
The operation is still underway, and we are in the process of gathering more details. However, initial reports confirm that a substantial number of Maoist operatives have been neutralised,” a senior police officer said on condition of anonymity
“The operation is still underway, and we are in the process of gathering more details. However, initial reports confirm that a substantial number of Maoist operatives have been neutralised,” a senior police officer said on condition of anonymity. He added that weapons and other Maoist paraphernalia have also been recovered from the site, though a complete picture will only emerge once the area is fully sanitized and secured.
This high-impact offensive follows a string of successful operations conducted by security forces in recent months. Just last month, on March 20, at least 30 Maoists were reportedly killed in two separate encounters across the Bastar region. These operations were part of a coordinated effort to dismantle Maoist strongholds in southern Chhattisgarh, particularly in districts like Bastar, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Narayanpur.
So far in 2025, a total of 11 major operations have been carried out against Maoist factions in the region. According to official figures, these actions have led to the elimination of 142 Maoists. Among the most notable operations were those conducted on February 9, when 31 Maoists were killed, and March 25, which saw the neutralization of 16 more operatives. Security forces say these successes have significantly weakened Maoist networks and disrupted their supply and communication lines.
The aggressive stance of security forces has been complemented by renewed efforts from the government to encourage Maoist cadres to surrender and reintegrate into society. Earlier this month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the region to address a large public gathering during the Pandum Festival in Bastar. In his speech, Shah extended an olive branch to Maoist operatives, urging them to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream.
He revealed that between January and April 2025, a total of 521 Maoists had surrendered, adding to the 881 who had chosen the path of peace in 2024. The Home Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and development for those willing to abandon violence.
“For those who surrender, the doors to a dignified life and meaningful reintegration are always open,” Shah said during his address. “However, those who continue to carry weapons and engage in violence will be met with a firm response from our brave security forces.”
Shah also reaffirmed the government’s goal to completely eliminate Maoist influence from the region by March 2026. He envisioned a future where Bastar and surrounding areas would be known not for fear and conflict, but for development, education, and opportunity.
“The people of Bastar deserve peace, progress, and prosperity,” he declared. “Our vision is to make Bastar a beacon of hope, not a zone of terror.”
Officials say the results on the ground are already visible. Increased road connectivity, the establishment of new police camps, enhanced welfare schemes, and educational initiatives have started to make an impact in previously neglected regions. Local communities are also beginning to cooperate more actively with the administration and security forces, signalling a shift in public sentiment.
While the Home Minister acknowledged that every loss of life is unfortunate, he emphasized that peace remains non-negotiable. “No one celebrates death—not even that of a Maoist. But peace is essential for growth, and for that, the rule of law must prevail.”
As operations continue in the Indravati region and beyond, authorities remain vigilant. More details from Saturday’s encounter are expected in the coming days as combing operations proceed and officials assess the full impact of this decisive action.
