Chattisgarh: Security forces killed 12 Maoists in a Sukma encounter in Chhattisgarh on Saturday during a major operation in the Konta–Kistaram forest area of the district.
The encounter took place after security agencies received confirmed intelligence about Maoist movement in the South Bastar region. Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan supervised the operation, which the District Reserve Guard launched in the forest zone.
According to police officials, heavy firing broke out between the security forces and Maoists around 5.30 am. The exchange of fire continued for several hours in dense forest terrain. After the operation ended, forces recovered the bodies of 12 Maoists from the encounter site.
Police identified all those killed as members of the Konta Area Committee. Among the dead was area secretary Sachin Mangdu. Officials also said Maoist commanders involved in the killing of Konta ASP Akash Rao Giripuje were eliminated in the encounter.
The operation followed an unexpected setback for the Maoist party after PLGA Battalion-1 commander Barse Deva surrendered before the police. Officials said the surrender weakened Maoist leadership in the region and helped security forces intensify operations.
During searches at the encounter site, forces recovered a large cache of weapons. These included three AK-47 rifles, INSAS rifles and SLR rifles. Police said the seizure indicated the scale of Maoist presence in the area.
Sukma encounter followed similar operation in Bijapur
Before the Sukma encounter, security forces killed two Maoists in a separate exchange of fire in Bijapur district. The operation took place in the South Bastar forest area under the supervision of Bijapur SP Jitendra Yadav.
Police officials said some Maoists suffered injuries during the Bijapur encounter. They added that the death toll could rise as search operations continued in the forest region.
Authorities said the coordinated operations reflected sustained pressure on Maoist networks across South Bastar. Security forces have intensified combing operations to prevent regrouping and movement of armed cadres.
