16 Naxalites Killed in Fierce Gunbattle with Security Forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma
In one of the most significant anti-Naxalite operations in recent months, security forces gunned down 16 Naxalites during a fierce encounter in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district. The gunfight broke out during a pre-planned combing operation launched by a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The operation was carried out in the forest region under the jurisdiction of the Kerlapal police station, a known stronghold of Maoist activity. Acting on specific intelligence inputs about the movement of cadres belonging to the National Park Area Committee of the banned CPI (Maoist), the security forces launched an offensive that escalated into a heavy exchange of fire.
During the encounter, 16 Naxalites were neutralized, marking a significant blow to the insurgent group’s local network. Two personnel from the security forces sustained minor injuries in the operation and are currently undergoing medical treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable.
The recovered bodies of the slain Naxalites, along with a cache of arms, ammunition, and Maoist literature, have been taken into custody by the forces. The area remains cordoned off as further search operations continue to ensure that no residual threats remain in the vicinity.
This encounter is part of the larger counter-insurgency strategy adopted in Chhattisgarh, which remains one of the most affected states in the ongoing Maoist insurgency. The success of the operation signals a major tactical gain for the security establishment in a region often marked by ambushes and guerrilla attacks.
The government has reiterated its commitment to neutralizing left-wing extremism while also continuing developmental efforts in affected regions to address the root causes of unrest.
