Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur
Raipur, May 14: In one of the largest and most impactful anti-Naxal operations in recent history, 31 Maoists — including 17 women — have been killed in a 24-day counterinsurgency campaign conducted by security forces in the Karregutta Hills region, located along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Karregutta’, was launched based on precise technical intelligence and involved nearly 10,000 personnel drawn from multiple forces: District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force (STF), Chhattisgarh Police, CRPF, and its elite COBRA unit, with support from Telangana Police.
Among the 31 killed were three high-value insurgents, each carrying a bounty of ?8 lakh. Bodies of all the deceased have been recovered, and 22 insurgents have been identified so far. Eighteen security personnel sustained injuries during the mission, including eight from IED blasts. All injured are reported to be in stable condition due to swift medical evacuations.
Security forces located and destroyed four Maoist arms manufacturing units hidden in the hills. To aid logistics and evacuations, a hilltop forward base with a helipad was established. The operation targeted over 250 caves in the region, which have long served as a hideout and transit point for Maoist cadres.
Chhattisgarh DGP Arun Dev Gautam and CRPF DG Gyanendra Pratap Singh addressed the media, praising the courage, coordination, and resilience of the forces in overcoming the hostile terrain and intense resistance.
Maoist spokesperson Abhay confirmed 26 deaths on their side through a pamphlet circulated in the area and appealed for peace talks with the government, indicating a possible shift in approach.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has consistently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminate Naxalism from India by 2026. Officials believe this operation marks a significant milestone toward that goal.
Karregutta Hills, with its dense forest and rugged topography, is considered one of the most strategically sensitive Maoist zones in the Bastar region. Security forces believe the operation has disrupted insurgent movement and command infrastructure significantly. Continued surveillance and follow-up operations are expected in the coming weeks to consolidate gains and prevent regrouping.