Major Success For Security Forces As 16 Naxals Killed In Chhattisgarh Encounter

In a significant operation, security forces neutralised 16 Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, marking a major blow to insurgency in the region.

Superintendent of Police Nikhil Khecha confirmed the conclusion of the operation to ANI, stating, "The operation is over. 16 Naxalites have been killed in the encounter. We have recovered a large number of arms and ammunition. We are identifying the naxals neutralised. Two of the jawans were injured, they are presently under treatment."

The joint operation, conducted by the Chhattisgarh Police, CRPF, and Odisha’s Special Operations Group (SOG), spanned multiple days and led to the recovery of a substantial cache of arms, including AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS rifles, and other automatic weapons.

Among the neutralised Naxals was a high-ranking insurgent carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore. Efforts are ongoing to identify other deceased militants.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the security forces for their efforts, describing the operation as a significant step toward eradicating Naxalism.

"Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SOG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralised 14 Naxalites in a joint operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today," Shah posted on X.

In a related operation in Bijapur district, security forces successfully defused eight Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), each weighing five kilograms.

The IEDs, planted by Maoists, were discovered during a patrol along the Mutvendi-Pidia route.

Bijapur Police praised the efforts of the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and other personnel involved in the operation, stating, "Their efforts led to the discovery and recovery of eight IEDs, each weighing 5 kg, which had been planted by Maoists."

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