Major Anti-Naxal Operation Claims 15 Maoists, 3 Security Personnel Martyred Near Odisha–Chhattisgarh Border
A fierce overnight encounter in the Keshkutul forest of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, close to the Odisha border, has resulted in the death of 15 Maoists and the martyrdom of three District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel.
The joint operation, involving the DRG, Special Task Force (STF), and CoBRA commandos, began late Wednesday and continued into Thursday morning. Security forces retaliated after coming under heavy fire during a combing mission in the dense forest terrain.
Recovered from the site were SLRs, .303 rifles, and explosives, pointing to the presence of a sizeable Maoist formation. Two additional personnel sustained critical injuries and were evacuated for advanced medical care.
The Keshkutul region, notorious for rugged terrain and poor road access, has long been a Maoist stronghold. Officials confirmed intensified search operations to track militants who may have fled deeper into the forest.
This encounter is part of a wider counter-Maoist offensive across Odisha and Chhattisgarh border districts. Recently, BSF leadership reiterated its goal of eliminating remaining Maoist pockets by March 2026. In 2024 alone, Odisha operations led to 19 Maoists killed, 8 arrested, and 6 surrendering, underscoring the sustained push to weaken insurgent influence.
