Home Minister Amit Shah announced that 31 Naxals were killed in a major security operation conducted along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border

By Bharat Daily Samachar
Date: May 14, 2025

In one of the most significant anti-Naxal operations in recent years, Indian security forces gunned down 31 Naxalites in a meticulously planned mission near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed on Monday. The operation, hailed as a “major victory” in the ongoing war against Left-Wing Extremism, marks a critical step in the government’s push to eliminate Maoist insurgents from India’s red corridor.

The encounter took place in the dense forested region of the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, bordering Telangana’s Kumram Bheem Asifabad district — an area long considered a Maoist stronghold. The well-coordinated action involved joint teams from Telangana’s elite Greyhounds, Chhattisgarh police, and CRPF units, who acted on precise intelligence regarding the presence of top Maoist leaders and cadres in the area.

The Operation: A Coordinated Counter-Insurgency Strike

According to security sources, the operation began in the early hours of Sunday after intelligence agencies intercepted communication indicating the movement of senior Naxal leaders in the forested border areas. A massive search operation was launched, and after nearly 36 hours of combing, the forces made contact with the Naxal group in the forest near Pujari Kanker village in Bijapur.

A fierce gunfight ensued, lasting several hours. The Naxals, believed to be heavily armed, retaliated but were eventually overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical advantage of the security personnel. When the operation concluded, 31 Naxals lay dead, including several high-ranking operatives of the outlawed CPI (Maoist).

Initial reports suggest that some of the slain Naxals were involved in previous deadly ambushes on security forces and had bounties on their heads. A large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives was also recovered from the site.

Amit Shah’s Statement: “A Landmark Achievement”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, currently overseeing the Ministry’s anti-insurgency efforts, praised the bravery and efficiency of the personnel involved in the operation. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

"I congratulate our brave security personnel for successfully carrying out a major anti-Naxal operation on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The killing of 31 Maoists is a testament to our government’s resolve to root out Left-Wing Extremism from every corner of the country."

He added that the government remains committed to ensuring peace and development in all conflict-hit regions and that such operations would continue until the Maoist threat is completely neutralized.

Ground Reports: What Local Authorities Say

Senior officials from Telangana and Chhattisgarh police departments confirmed that the operation was based on credible intelligence. Telangana’s Director General of Police (DGP) said the Greyhounds acted swiftly and decisively, with minimal casualties on the side of the forces.

“Some of the dead Naxals are identified as senior members of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, which has been active in the area for years,” said a top official. “This is a big blow to their operational capacity in southern Chhattisgarh and northern Telangana.”

The dead bodies were airlifted for post-mortem and identification. Security has been heightened in the surrounding districts, and reinforcement teams have been deployed to prevent retaliation.

Understanding the Naxal Problem

The Naxalite movement, which started as a peasant uprising in West Bengal’s Naxalbari village in 1967, gradually evolved into a full-blown insurgency, with armed Maoist groups establishing strongholds in forest regions across several Indian states.

At its peak, Naxal influence extended across a vast region referred to as the "Red Corridor", stretching from eastern Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh to parts of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.

These groups have long waged war against the Indian state, targeting security personnel, government officials, and infrastructure, under the claim of fighting for the rights of tribal and marginalized communities. Over the decades, they have killed thousands, disrupted development projects, and paralyzed law enforcement in remote forest regions.

However, in recent years, coordinated efforts by central and state forces, improved intelligence, and targeted development programs have significantly weakened the Maoist movement. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Naxal-related violence has dropped by over 70% in the last decade.

The Importance of the Chhattisgarh-Telangana Border

The forested region along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, especially parts of Bijapur and Sukma districts, has historically been a critical zone for Naxal activity. It serves as a strategic transit corridor for Naxal leaders and provides natural cover for training camps and weapons storage.

Security experts say that dismantling Naxal infrastructure in this area is crucial for ensuring lasting peace in both states. This is why operations like the recent encounter are seen as strategically vital.

Reactions and Political Responses

The success of the operation drew praise from across the political spectrum. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai both congratulated the forces and reiterated their commitment to eliminating Naxalism.

Revanth Reddy said in a press conference:
"The sacrifices of our police and paramilitary forces will not go in vain. We will not rest until every citizen in Telangana and Chhattisgarh is free from the fear of Naxal violence."

Meanwhile, opposition parties called for a broader approach beyond military action. A Congress spokesperson stated:
"While the encounter is a significant tactical win, the long-term solution lies in addressing the root causes — poverty, lack of governance, and tribal rights."

Impact on Naxal Infrastructure

With the death of 31 cadres, including potentially some area commanders, the Naxal hierarchy in the region has suffered a severe setback. Intelligence agencies are now focusing on identifying and tracking any survivors who might regroup.

Moreover, the seizure of documents, satellite phones, and digital equipment during the raid could provide leads to further unravel remaining Naxal cells and financial networks.

The operation also sends a strong message to the remaining Maoist factions that the state is no longer willing to tolerate their armed activities.

What Comes Next?

Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs indicate that this is not a one-off action. A series of operations are being planned to completely sanitize affected zones, particularly in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and parts of Maharashtra.

Security has also been increased in key development project sites, such as road construction and mining operations, which have often been targets of Maoist disruption.

In the coming months, the government is expected to ramp up both its military pressure and development outreach to bring lasting peace to the tribal regions.

Conclusion: A Turning Point?

The killing of 31 Naxals in a single operation marks a watershed moment in India’s decades-long struggle against Left-Wing Extremism. While the battle is far from over, such successful missions indicate that the tide is turning in favor of the state.

With continued vigilance, political will, and inclusive development, India can hope to finally bring peace to regions that have long suffered the shadow of armed rebellion.