Maoist killed in ongoing gunbattle with security forces in Chhattisgarh

The Maoist’s killing took the number of Left-wing insurgents killed in the state this year to at least 23 amid heightened anti-insurgency operations

Published on: Feb 5, 2026, 10:50:22 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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A Maoist was killed in an ongoing exchange of fire with security forces in a forested area in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Thursday, taking the number of slain Left-wing insurgents in the state this year to at least 23 amid heightened anti-insurgency operations.

Police said that the gunbattle was triggered around 7.30am. (HT PHOTO/Representative)

Police said that the gunbattle was triggered around 7.30am. Intermittent firing was reported from the scene even as the body of the slain Maoist and an AK-47 rifle were recovered. An official said further details will be shared after the operation concludes.

People aware of the matter identified the slain Maoist as Udham Singh, a Maoist divisional committee member, even as his identity was not confirmed officially.

On January 3, 14 Maoists were gunned down in two separate operations in the Bastar region, which includes Bijapur. Last year, 285 Maoists were killed across the state.

The fresh anti-Maoist operation was launched in Bijapur on Thursday as the Union government’s March 31 deadline for ending the Left-wing insurgency nears. Hundreds of Maoists have been killed or surrendered as the outlawed organisation faced leadership decapitation.

The killing of Maoist chief Nambala Kesava Rao, alias Basavaraju, in May last year marked the most significant success against the Left-wing insurgency in years.

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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