20 Maoists Killed in Sukma District Encounter

The forests of Chhattisgarh echoed with gunfire once again. In a fierce encounter between security forces and Maoists in Sukma district, 20 Maoists were killed. Acting on precise intelligence about the presence of Maoists in the Gogunda hills, security forces launched a combing operation. During the search, the Maoists confronted them, leading to a heavy exchange of fire. Reports suggest that several Maoists were killed in the incident, and with the encounter still ongoing, the death toll may rise further.

The police had received intelligence that Maoists were hiding in the forest area under the jurisdiction of the Kerlepal police station in Sukma district. Following this, the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a combing operation on Friday night. Early this morning, an encounter broke out when the Maoists came face-to-face with the security forces. The forces have now surrounded the area and are conducting intensive searches in the nearby forest regions.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident early Friday morning in Narayanpur district, a jawan was injured after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxalites exploded. The injured jawan is currently receiving treatment at Narayanpur district hospital, and his condition is reported to be stable, according to Bastar Inspector General Sundarraj.

Sukma district is considered one of the most Maoist-affected areas in the Bastar region, with multiple encounters occurring in the past.