In a significant counter-insurgency operation, six Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the dense forests of Abujhmarh, Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh, on Friday, July 18, 2025. The operation, which is still underway, resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, including AK-47 and SLR rifles, explosives, and items of daily use.
The encounter began on Friday afternoon, prompted by specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of armed Maoists in the Abujhmarh region, an area long considered a Maoist stronghold. Joint teams of state police and central forces launched a search operation, and during the combing operation, they came under fire, leading to a retaliatory exchange that is still ongoing.
According to preliminary information from police officials, the bodies of six Maoists have been recovered from the site. A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the recovery of weapons, including AK-47 and SLR rifles, explosive materials, and items of daily use. Security officials also recovered high-powered weapons, suggesting the presence of senior Maoist cadres. The identities of the slain Maoists are yet to be confirmed.
The terrain in Abujhmarh, one of India's least accessible forest zones, makes operations extremely challenging and dangerous, requiring coordinated efforts between Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra forces. Additional teams have been dispatched for reinforcement and area domination to prevent possible escape or regrouping by remaining insurgents. A Chhattisgarh senior police official stated that further details would be shared later, prioritizing the safety of personnel on the ground. A detailed report and confirmation from senior officers are expected once the operation concludes.
Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, hailed the security forces and reiterated the government's commitment to making the country completely Maoist-free by March 31, 2026, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He congratulated the brave jawans and saluted their indomitable courage, emphasizing that their valor has further strengthened the resolve of a "Naxal Mukt Chhattisgarh".
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. The recent operations align with the Centre's goal, with security forces actively targeting Maoist presence in the region. On Monday, a senior Maoist leader, Sodhi Kanna, carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh, was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.
With the latest action, 221 Maoists have been killed in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh so far this year, with 204 of them eliminated in the Bastar division. The ongoing operation in Abujhmarh reflects the continued efforts of security forces to combat Maoist insurgency in the region.
