Two Maoists Killed in Encounter with Security Forces in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh

Two Maoists were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in the Mankeli area of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, as part of what officials describe as one of the last phases of the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) insurgency in India. The operation was carried out by a joint team of the Special Task Force (STF), CoBRA units of the CRPF, and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) following precise intelligence about armed Maoist cadres in the dense forest terrain. The encounter was reportedly triggered by inputs regarding senior Maoist commander Papa Rao , alias Mongu (57), a DKSZC member active in Bastar for over 20 years and linked to the MOPOS training wing, who carries a ₹50 lakh bounty for his alleged role in major attacks, including the 2010 Dantewada CRPF massacre . Two Naxal bodies were recovered along with two AK‑47 rifles , though officials have said Papa Rao’s presence and involvement will be confirmed only after further investigation.

The encounter, which erupted early Saturday morning, saw intermittent firing as forces conducted search and cordon operations near remote forested areas that have long been Maoist strongholds. The two bodies of slain Maoists were recovered at the site, and security personnel began transporting them back to base for further forensic examination and identification , which officials expect to confirm soon. Automatic weapons including AK‑47 rifles were seized from the encounter zone, indicating the insurgents were heavily armed.

Officials and political leaders have repeatedly emphasized that continued operations like this are part of an intensified push to dismantle Maoist networks and bring the decades‑long insurgency to a close. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister recently announced plans aimed at rebuilding the Bastar region and stated that Maoism in the state is nearing its decisive end, reflecting sustained decline in violence over the years. Violent incidents related to LWE, which once numbered in the thousands, have fallen sharply, and the number of districts affected has reduced markedly , taking the movement closer to eradication.

The Maoist insurgency has claimed many lives over more than three decades, but sustained counter‑insurgency efforts have significantly weakened it. According to long‑term data, the movement has resulted in the deaths of more than 4,900 Maoist fighters nationwide since 2000 , with tens of thousands of arrests and many more surrendering under rehabilitation efforts, while total deaths including civilians and security forces number over 12,000 over more than two decades .

In recent years, the insurgent ranks have seen heavy attrition. Chhattisgarh police reported that 357 Maoist cadres were killed in various encounters across the country during 2024-25 , marking one of the most significant losses for the group’s manpower. Security officials also monitor violence trends in neighboring states. In Odisha, lethal encounters with Maoists have been much lower in recent years, though fatalities still occur, while Telangana’s Maoist presence has been largely diminished as a homegrown force.

Authorities cordoned off the encounter area after the gunfight and continued search operations to ensure no insurgents remained in the vicinity. Commanders thanked the STF, CoBRA, and DRG units for their coordinated efforts and bravery in the challenging operation, underscoring the professionalism and resolve of India’s security forces in the ongoing campaign.

This latest clash is a broader national effort to end decades of Maoist violence, strengthen local governance, and bring lasting peace and development to regions long affected by insurgency. With political commitment and security operations expected to continue, officials reiterated their aim of making areas like Bastar completely free of extremist violence.