In one of the most significant blows to Maoist insurgency in recent years, security forces have recovered 31 bodies believed to be of Maoists from the dense forests of the Karregutta hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The discovery comes as part of “Operation Sankalp,” a large-scale anti-Naxal/anti-maoist campaign initiated on April 21 in the volatile South Bastar region. The Chhattisgarh police, while confirming the operation’s major success, have yet to disclose the exact timing of the Maoists’ deaths. According to Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav, a detailed press briefing is scheduled for Wednesday in Bijapur, where further insights into the encounter and its strategic implications are expected to be shared.
Of the 31 recovered bodies, authorities have successfully identified 20, and 11 have already been handed over to their families after post-mortem procedures. The identification process for the remaining bodies is currently underway. Among the dead are four women, as confirmed by police sources. This highlights the gender-neutral participation often observed within Maoist cadres, where women are routinely trained for armed combat and logistical support roles.
Operation Sankalp, still ongoing, is being hailed as a tactical and operational success. A senior police officer involved in the operation said, “So far, we have had good operational outcomes in the ongoing anti-Naxal operations in South-West Bastar. All security personnel are safe and committed to ensuring a safe and secure Bastar region.” Authorities are withholding full operational details due to the sensitive and ongoing nature of the campaign. However, sources familiar with the matter revealed that over 28,000 personnel from various security agencies—including the CRPF, District Reserve Guards (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and Telangana Greyhounds—have been involved in coordinated actions across the area.
Since the operation’s inception, there have been over 35 armed encounters. Apart from the fatalities, security forces have seized more than 400 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), nearly 40 weapons, and approximately two tonnes of explosive material. These recoveries point to a significant blow to Maoist logistical networks and their ability to wage future guerrilla warfare in the region. The Karregutta forest zone has long served as a hideout and transit route for Maoist factions operating between Telangana and Chhattisgarh. With Operation Sankalp pushing deeper into these areas, authorities hope to dismantle the remaining Maoist strongholds and restore long-term peace in South Bastar.
