One Maoist cadre was neutralized during an encounter with security forces in the forested hilly terrain of Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. The operation, led by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) team of Sukma, was based on specific intelligence inputs regarding Maoist presence in the area.
Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan mentioned that the DRG team conducted a search operation in the dense forest, resulting in an exchange of fire between security personnel and the Maoist group on March 29, 2026. Following the cessation of firing, the search team meticulously combed the encounter site and discovered the body of a male Maoist cadre along with a weapon.
The deceased Maoist, identified as PPCM Moochaki Kailash, hailed from Poolanpad in Sukma district and held the rank of Section Commander in Platoon Number 31 of the CPI (Maoist) outfit. He was wanted in various cases related to civilian killings, attacks on security forces, and involvement in improvised explosive device (IED) blasts.
Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam urged the remaining Maoist cadres to surrender promptly, emphasizing the limited time available for surrender and rehabilitation. He appealed to the Maoists to abandon violence, reintegrate into society, and lead peaceful lives, warning of continued operations against those opting for violence.
The encounter occurred amidst heightened anti-LWE operations by state police and central forces in the Bastar division ahead of the March 2026 deadline set by the Central government to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism from the region. Recent months have witnessed several Maoist cadres surrendering or being neutralized in intelligence-driven operations.
Local residents expressed relief following the successful operation, given the history of Maoist activities in the area. The body of the deceased Maoist has been moved for post-mortem examination and further legal procedures, while a thorough search operation continues in the surrounding forest to locate any fleeing group members.
Police authorities confirmed no casualties or injuries among security forces during the encounter. The operation is viewed as a positive stride towards restoring peace and normalcy in the troubled Sukma region of Chhattisgarh.
