In a major counter-insurgency operation under Mission Sankalp, security forces have reportedly neutralised more than 22 Naxals during an encounter near Karegutta Hills in Bijapur district of the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. A senior official has confirmed the operation to PTI. The gunfight started on early Tuesday morning during a joint security operation, and efforts are still undergoing to kill remaining insurgents who are hiding in the dense jungles.
Gunbattle in Bastar region
This large-scale counter-insurgency initiative, which was part of Mission Sankalp, is currently being conducted in the Bastar region. The initiative was launched on April 21, with an aim to flush out Top Maoist leaders who are believed to be working in the area. Officials stated that the operation was launched after receiving intelligence inputs on the presence of senior members of Battalion No.1. This group is considered to be the Maoists’ most powerful armed unit, as well as the Telangana State Committee.
As per current reports, over 15 insurgents have been confirmed dead, whereas additional casualties may increase as the operation is underway.
24 Naxalites, including 15 rebels, surrendered
Just days before Mission Sankalp, security forces achieved another milestone in counter-insurgency efforts on April 28. According to an ANI report, a total of 24 Naxalites surrendered their arms before the authorities in Bijapur district. Among them, 14 rebels had bounties of Rs 28.50 lakh on their heads.
Confirming the development, Bijapur Additional Superintendent of Police Chandrakant Governa stated, ”14 Naxalites with a total reward of Rs 28.50 lakh surrendered and a total of 24 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur.”
Underlining the broader impact of the ongoing operation in the region, the officer added that since January 1, 2025, a total of 213 Naxals have been arrested. Around 203 have surrendered, and 90 insurgents have been killed in various encounters across the district.
As part of a rehabilitation package aimed at promoting reintegration into civil society, each surrendered Naxalite has been offered a financial incentive of Rs 50,000 in the form of a cheque.
(With inputs from agencies)