December 1, 2024: In a major operation, seven Maoists were killed in an encounter with the police in the Chalpak forests of Mulugu district, Telangana, this morning. The gunfight occurred just a week after two tribal men were allegedly murdered by Maoists for being suspected police informers.

Among those killed in the encounter was Bhadru, a 35-year-old commander of the Yellandu-Narsampet area committee. The other identified deceased were Egolapu Mallaiah (43), Mussaki Deval (22), Mussaki Jamuna (23), Jaisingh (25), Kishore (22), and Kamesh (23).

The Maoists were heavily armed with AK-47, G3, and INSAS rifles, along with other weapons. Police forces had reportedly received intelligence about Maoist activities in the region, leading to the targeted operation in the Chalpak forests, a known stronghold of the rebel group.

Authorities have confirmed the recovery of weapons and materials from the site. The incident marks a significant blow to the Maoist movement in the region, coming in the wake of rising tensions after the killing of the tribal men.