Security forces kill 27 maoists in Chhattisgarh's Abujhmad forest

The encounter took place during a joint anti-Naxal operation involving DRG personnel from four districts; top Maoist leader Basavaraju suspected among the dead

At least 27 Maoists were killed in a joint anti-Naxal operation on Wednesday in the Abujhmad forests of Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district. The encounter involved District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel from Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Kondagaon.

 

The firefight erupted in dense forest at the tri-junction of Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Dantewada districts. Officials said the operation was launched two days earlier based on intelligence about the movement of senior Maoist leaders, including Central Committee and Politburo members, as well as PLGA operatives.

Top Maoist leader possibly among dead

 

Nambala Keshava Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), was reportedly killed, news agency PTI reported. However, authorities have not officially confirmed his death.

Chhattisgarh CM, Deputy CM praise forces

 

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai commended the security forces for their courage, “A Naxal operation has been underway since yesterday. The exact details will be shared once it is completed. We salute the bravery of our jawans.”

 

Deputy CM Vijay Sharma said, “More than 26 Naxalites, some probably top cadres, were killed. One police supporter died and one jawan was injured. Combing operations are still ongoing."

 

  One of deadliest operations in 2025

 

This operation marks one of the most significant Maoist crackdowns in Chhattisgarh this year. With this incident, the death toll of Naxalites in Chhattisgarh in 2025 rises to 200. Of these, 183 were killed in Bastar division, which includes the districts of Bijapur, Narayanpur, Dantewada, and Kondagaon

 

Last week, 31 Maoists were killed on Karreguttalu Hill near the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border. That encounter also led to casualties on the security side — including three Greyhounds personnel killed in an IED blast in Telangana, and multiple injuries.  (With agency inputs)