Security forces gun down 3 Maoists in ongoing encounter on Chhattisgarh-Telangana border

The operation is part of a broader offensive aimed at dismantling the top leadership and operational capabilities of Maoist factions active in the Bastar and adjoining regions.

Published on: Apr 24, 2025, 10:41:38 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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A joint team of security forces have gunned down three Maoists in an ongoing encounter on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border in the wee hours of Thursday, officials said.

Paramilitary personnel during an anti-Maoist operation. (AP File Photo)

Around 7,000 police personnel of three states — Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Maharashtra — have cordoned off the area as the encounter is still underway with ultras affiliated to CPI (Maoist)’s Battalion Number 1, Telangana State Committee, and the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee.

The gunfight broke out during a joint combing operation carried out by elite security units in a densely forested area near the inter-state border.

“According to initial reports, at least three Maoists have been confirmed dead, and their bodies have been recovered from the site of the encounter. The death toll may rise as the operation continues. A heavy deployment of security personnel is in place in the region to prevent any possible escape or counterattack,” a source told HT.

The operation is part of a broader offensive aimed at dismantling the top leadership and operational capabilities of Maoist factions active in the Bastar and adjoining regions.

“Senior Maoist leader Mandvi Hidma and Damodar are also believed to be holed up in the area,” an officer said.

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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