November 22, 2024: In a significant operation, at least 10 Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Sukma district on Friday. The gunbattle took place in the dense jungles of Korajuguda, Dantewada, Nagaram, and Bhandarpadar, areas that are known for Maoist activity.

The operation involved personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who had acted on intelligence reports indicating the presence of Maoist rebels in the area. Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sunderaj P, confirmed the deaths and said that the security forces were still in the process of identifying the bodies recovered from the encounter site.

"The forces had received credible intelligence about Maoist presence in the region," IG Sunderaj stated. "While we are still working to identify the deceased, we have recovered several weapons, including INSAS rifles, AK-47s, and SLR rifles."

The search operation is ongoing, with security forces continuing their efforts to clear the area. The IG also mentioned that further details would be shared once the operation concludes.

This encounter comes a day after a Maoist was killed in a separate exchange of fire between security forces and rebels along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. The incident in the Malakangiri district of Odisha occurred on Thursday, as a similar firefight broke out between the forces and Maoists, resulting in the death of one rebel.

The state and central forces have been intensifying their efforts against Maoist insurgents in the Bastar region and along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border in recent months, aiming to curb the influence of the armed rebels in the area.