Maoist killed in gunfight with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada

The gunfight was triggered during an anti-Maoist operation launched on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of a Maoist arms dump

Published on: Mar 5, 2026, 13:41:09 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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A Maoist carrying a ₹5 lakh reward on his head was killed in a gunfight with security forces in a forested area in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada on Tuesday, police said on Thursday. The gunfight was triggered during an anti-Maoist operation launched on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of a Maoist arms dump.

Police said the security forces returned safely to the district headquarters. (Shutterstock)

Police said a group of 8-10 Maoists opened indiscriminate fire on a police party with automatic weapons during a search operation. They added that security forces retaliated in self-defence after taking cover and asked the Maoists to surrender. The Maoists fled into the dense forest, taking advantage of darkness and the hilly terrain, following the exchange of fire.

The body of a Maoist, Rajesh Punem, and a cache of weapons and ammunition were found during a search at the gunfight site. Security forces recovered one SLR rifle, one INSAS rifle, a pistol with a magazine, a walkie-talkie set, magazines, live cartridges, and other Maoist materials from the spot.

Police said the security forces returned safely to the district headquarters after area domination and road opening operations. No security personnel were injured in the operation.

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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