In what is shaping up to be one of the largest anti-Maoist operations in recent memory, security forces have launched a high-stakes offensive in the Karregatta hills of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, near the Telangana border. The multi-agency effort has so far resulted in the deaths of three Maoists, with the bodies recovered amid ongoing exchanges of gunfire.
Major Maoist Leaders Surrounded
Sources confirm that nearly 150 Maoist insurgents have been encircled, including top commanders such as:
- Hidma – Considered the most wanted Maoist commander in central India.
- Deva – A notorious strategist involved in multiple ambushes.
- Damodar – Key figure in the Maoist military wing.
All three carry bounties of ₹1 crore each on their heads. Intelligence inputs suggest their potential neutralisation would deal a critical blow to the insurgency in Bastar and its adjoining border regions.
Operation Led by India’s Elite Forces
This joint operation—ongoing since Monday—includes:
- CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force)
- COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action)
- District Reserve Guard (DRG)
- Special Task Force (STF)
- Telangana’s elite Greyhound unit
The combined might of these forces has led to the recovery of over 100 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and bomb disposal teams are currently clearing landmines to secure the terrain.
High-Risk Terrain, Heightened Threat
The Karregatta hills have long served as a Maoist safe haven, with dense forests and steep terrain providing natural cover for militant camps. However, recent pamphlets circulated by Maoist leaders warning villagers to avoid the region hinted at the insurgents’ preparation for a confrontation—a warning that is now playing out in real-time.
Despite the IED threats and warnings, security forces have launched a decisive push into the Maoist heartland, determined to dismantle their operations.
Part of a Larger Strategic Offensive
This operation follows a pattern of intensified counterinsurgency efforts seen earlier in Sukma and Dantewada, where security forces successfully eliminated senior Maoist commanders and destroyed camps.
What’s Next?
The operation remains active and fluid, with additional casualties possible as forces close in. Officials believe that a major insurgent leadership shake-up could occur if Hidma and other high-value targets are captured or neutralised.
