A major anti-Naxal operation was carried out on Wednesday in the dense forest region near the Maharashtra–Chhattisgarh border, resulting in a significant encounter that left at least four Naxals, including three women, dead.

The incident occurred in Gadchiroli district of eastern Maharashtra, an area that has long been a hotbed of Maoist activity due to its proximity to the Maoist strongholds in adjoining Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh.

According to a detailed statement issued by the police, the operation was based on precise intelligence received on August 25, which indicated the movement and presence of members from Gatta Dalam, Company No. 10, and other Maoist formations belonging to the Gadchiroli Division in the Koparshi forest region.

Security forces immediately mobilised in response to this intelligence, with as many as nineteen units of the elite C-60 commandos, specially trained in anti-Maoist operations, and two units of the CRPF’s Quick Action Team being deployed.

The operation was conducted under extremely challenging conditions, as the region had been experiencing relentless heavy rains for the past two days, making access to the remote and rugged terrain difficult.

Despite these obstacles, a joint team led by Additional Superintendent of Police, Oeratijns M. Ramesh, pressed forward into the forest early Wednesday morning. Upon entering the suspected hideout areas, the advancing forces came under sudden and heavy fire from the Maoist cadres concealed deep within the forest.

The initial firefight quickly escalated into an intense gun battle, with intermittent exchanges of fire lasting for nearly eight hours, signalling the presence of a well-positioned and strongly entrenched Maoist unit.

Ultimately, the superior firepower and meticulous coordination of the joint forces overpowered the insurgents. After the firing subsided, security personnel conducted a thorough search of the area and recovered the bodies of four slain Maoists, three of whom were women.

Alongside the bodies, a cache of sophisticated weapons was also retrieved, including one self-loading rifle (SLR), two INSAS rifles, and one .303 rifle, underscoring the combat readiness and armament stockpiles of the Naxal group. The recovery of these weapons is considered a significant success for the security forces, as it not only weakens the Maoists’ firepower but also helps prevent further insurgent strikes in the region.

Police officials emphasised that the encounter is a major setback to the Maoist formations operating in Gadchiroli district, particularly the Company No. 10 group, which has been active in violent attacks on security forces and infrastructure in the past.

However, they cautioned that a larger group of Naxals is still suspected to be hiding in the area, and therefore the search operations remain ongoing. Intensive combing is being carried out across nearby forest stretches to flush out remaining cadres and prevent their regrouping.

This encounter highlights both the resilience of India’s counterinsurgency operations and the continued challenge posed by Maoist insurgency in the “Red Corridor,” especially in border districts like Gadchiroli where Maoist influence has persisted for decades.

Officials noted the bravery and dedication of the C-60 commandos and CRPF’s Quick Action Team, who managed to sustain prolonged combat in adverse weather conditions, dealing a severe blow to the insurgents. The operation is being hailed as a significant milestone in the ongoing campaign to curb Maoist violence in Maharashtra and adjoining regions.

Based On A PTI Report