Top leader among 29 maoists killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh; 3 jawans also injured

Digital Desk: In a significant blow to Naxal insurgents, security forces engaged in a violent encounter in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district, resulting in the death of at least 29 Naxalites, including the notorious leader Shankar Rao. 

The exchange of fire erupted in the Hapatola forest between Binagunda and Koronar villages under the jurisdiction of Chhotebethiya police station, around 2 pm on Tuesday.

The joint operation conducted by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the state police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG) proved successful as they not only eliminated a large number of Naxalites but also recovered a substantial cache of weapons from the encounter site. The recovered arsenal included AK-47 rifles, INSAS, SLR, Carbines, and .303 rifles, along with a significant quantity of ammunition.

Bastar IG P Sunddaraj hailed the operation as one of the most significant anti-Naxal missions in the region, emphasizing that all the neutralized Naxalites belonged to the north Bastar division. The operation was meticulously planned after receiving intelligence regarding the presence of senior Naxal leaders Shankar, Lalita, and Raju in the area.

Despite three security personnel sustaining injuries during the intense gunfight, including one BSF personnel with a leg injury, all are reported to be out of danger. The injured personnel are receiving medical treatment in a nearby hospital.

This successful operation highlights the commitment of security forces in combating Naxal insurgency in the region, providing a significant boost to efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the affected areas of Chhattisgarh.