14 Maoists killed in 2 gunfights with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar

A police officer said at least 12 cadres were killed in Sukma district, while two others died in the adjoining Bijapur district during the early hours of Saturday.

Published on: Jan 3, 2026, 12:23:01 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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RAIPUR: Fourteen Maoists were killed in two gunfights with security forces in the Bastar region’s Sukma and the adjoining Bijapur district on Saturday, police said.

Security forces conduct area domination exercise in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district (PTI File/Representative Image)

A police officer said at least 12 cadres were killed in Sukma district, while two others died in the adjoining Bijapur district during the early hours of Saturday. The deceased are yet to be identified.

In Sukma, the gunfight started in a forested area in the southern part of the district when a team of security personnel was out on an anti-Maoist operation, a senior police officer said.

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“At least 12 cadres have been neutralised so far. The operation is still underway, and more details will be shared later,” the officer said.

In Bijapur, the gunfight occurred at about 5 am, when a team of the District Reserve Guard, a specialised unit of the state police raised to fight Maoists, was conducting a similar operation, another official said. The bodies of two Maoists were found at the spot.

Officials said intermittent firing was still underway at both locations and a complete picture would emerge after the conclusion of the operations.

Police said 285 Maoists were killed in encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh last year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
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.Read More

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