The changing dynamics in Chhattisgarh’s Maoist heartland
The Chhattisgarh police claim that in the history of anti-Naxal operations in the state, 2024 was significant for troops in Bastar range on all crucial fronts.
Until a few years ago, no outsider had dared to enter Purvati village of Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district—home of Maoist commander Mandvi Hidma and over three dozen other top Maoist cadres. There was no school, hospital, or even a gram panchayat building there. However, things are changing in the region now, thanks to a series of measures by the security forces and the district administration. A school is being built in the village and other amenities are being provided by the
The Chhattisgarh police claim that increasing operational and developmental reach in the otherwise deprived Maoist heartlands have turned the table around in the region.
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting.
His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.
