Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband District Witnesses Major Security Operation Resulting in 14 Maoist Deaths
In a significant operation, security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district successfully neutralized a high-profile Maoist leader, Jayaram Reddy, also known as Chalapati, who was carrying a reward of Rs 1 crore. The encounter, which took place late last night, has been hailed as a “major success” by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at eradicating Maoist influence in India, particularly in regions where this insurgency has gained a foothold.
The encounter occurred in a dense forest area along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, a region known to be a stronghold for Maoist activities. Based on actionable intelligence regarding the presence of armed Maoists, a joint team comprising personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), CoBRA, and Special Operation Group (SOG) from Odisha was deployed. This coordinated effort led to a fierce exchange of gunfire, resulting in the elimination of 14 Maoists, including Chalapati.
In addition to the significant loss of life among the insurgents, the security forces recovered a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the encounter site. The operation underscores the ongoing struggle against Maoism in India’s eastern states, where conflicts between security forces and insurgent groups have been persistent.
Amit Shah’s Commitment to a Naxal-Free India
Following the successful operation, Amit Shah took to social media platform X to express his views, calling the encounter “another mighty blow to Naxalism.” He emphasized that such operations reflect the government’s commitment to a Naxal-free Bharat. Shah’s statement echoes the government’s long-term goal of eradicating Maoist influence by 2026. “With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today,” he stated.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also commended the bravery and efficacy of the security forces involved in the operation. He noted that under the “double-engine government” regime comprising both the BJP-led central government and the state government, efforts to eliminate Maoist presence would intensify leading up to 2026. Sai expressed, “This success of the soldiers is commendable. I salute their bravery,” reinforcing the importance of morale and support for security forces engaged in such dangerous operations.
The operation comes amid a series of successful encounters against Maoist groups in the region, where approximately 40 Maoists have been reported killed in separate operations since the beginning of the year. This highlights a surge in security force activities aimed at diminutive Maoist threats.
Chalapati: A Key Player in the Maoist Insurgency
Jayaram Reddy, known as Chalapati, was notorious for his leadership role within the Maoist organization. As a senior member of the Maoist central committee, he was involved in strategizing and executing numerous operations aimed at undermining governmental authority in the region. Residing in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district, Chalapati had relocated to the forests near the Odisha border in response to increased police activity in his previous hideouts.
Sources suggest he maintained a personal security detail of eight to ten guards, indicative of his status and influence within the Maoist hierarchy. His capture or elimination had been a high priority for security forces, owing to his position within the organization.
Chhattisgarh’s Ongoing Battle Against Maoist Violence
The state of Chhattisgarh has faced severe repercussions due to Maoist violence over the years. In 2024 alone, more than 200 Maoists were reported killed, indicating heightened operations by security personnel. Of the 219 deaths recorded last year, 217 occurred in the Bastar region, a stronghold of Maoist activity encompassing districts such as Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma.
Moreover, in addition to fatalities, approximately 800 Maoists were apprehended while about 802 chose to lay down their arms voluntarily. However, the struggle has not been without its costs, as 18 security personnel lost their lives, and 65 civilians fell victim to Maoist violence during the same period.
This ongoing conflict highlights the precarious balance between the government’s efforts to maintain peace and the insurgency’s entrenched presence in the region. The recent encounter represents a significant tactical advance against a formidable adversary.
Continuing Efforts and Future Prospects
With the latest encounter signaling a potentially decisive moment in the fight against Maoism, security forces are increasingly optimistic about their capability to dismantle the infrastructure supporting these insurgent groups. Amit Shah’s vision of a Naxal-free India by 2026 hinges on sustained efforts, operational intelligence, and community support to address the root causes of Maoist violence.
While the government faces criticism for its handling of the Maoist issue, the latest operations demonstrate a commitment to assert control over regions plagued by insurgency. Continued public support for security forces and strategic initiatives will be crucial in shaping the trajectory of these efforts.
For further information and related articles, refer to the ongoing coverage on hamslivenews.com, and for a broader context, refer to the reports from[The Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/) and[The Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com/).
As the struggle continues, collaboration between government forces, local populations, and civil society remains essential to create lasting change and ensure the security and stability of affected regions.