14 Naxalites killed in major Chhattisgarh-Odisha border encounter, Amit Shah says, ‘Naxalism breathing its last’

At least 14 Naxalites, including a senior cadre, were killed in a significant encounter with security forces along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh. The operation, hailed as a major success, was carried out by a joint team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Odisha, and the Chhattisgarh Police.

Resolve for a Naxal-free India

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his confidence that Naxalism was on the brink of defeat, attributing the success to the relentless efforts of security forces in a joint operation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shah called the operation another mighty blow to the Maoists, marking significant progress in the drive for a Naxal-free India. “With the resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of the security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today,” he stated.

The joint operation began on the night of January 19 based on intelligence about Maoist presence in the Kularighat reserve forest, just five kilometres from the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. On Monday, two women Naxalites were killed in an encounter, and a CoBRA jawan was injured. The fighting continued into the early hours of Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of 12 more Naxalites. Security forces recovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and IEDs, including a self-loading rifle.

One of the Naxalites killed was identified as Jairam alias Chalpati, a central committee member of the Maoists who carried a bounty of Rs one crore. The identity of the other deceased cadres is yet to be confirmed, and authorities are continuing to search the area. There are ongoing concerns that the number of casualties could rise as the operation progresses.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the security forces’ efforts, stressing the commitment of the double-engine government in Chhattisgarh (the BJP-led state government and the central government) to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026. He also lauded the bravery of the forces involved, stating, “This success of the soldiers is commendable. I salute their bravery.”

Rising Toll of Naxal Casualties in 2025

This latest encounter brings the total number of Naxalites killed in separate operations in Chhattisgarh to 40 this year. Just days earlier, on January 16, 12 Naxalites were killed in a similar operation in Bijapur district, with Maoist groups later admitting to 18 casualties. Last year, security forces neutralized 219 Naxalites in operations across the state.

As security forces continue their operations in the region, both state and national officials remain committed to wiping out Naxalism from the country. With this recent success, the battle against Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh appears to be gaining momentum, as authorities set their sights on meeting the ambitious goal of a Naxal-free India by 2026.

(With agency inputs)