14 Maoists Killed in Twin Encounters in Chhattisgarh South Bastar

New Delhi, january 03, 2026: In a major blow to the outlawed CPI (Maoist) organization, security forces in Chhattisgarh neutralized at least 14 Maoists during two separate encounters in the South Bastar region on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The operations, which took place in the districts of Sukma and Bijapur, mark the first significant breakthrough for security personnel in the new year.

Key Details of the Operations

According to senior police officials, the gunfights were the result of precise, intelligence-based operations launched by the District Reserve Guard (DRG).

• Sukma District: The most significant encounter occurred in the southern jungles of Sukma. Security forces recovered the bodies of 12 Maoists following an intense exchange of fire that reportedly began around 8:00 AM. Among the deceased was Sachin Mangdu (also known as Mukka), a high-ranking Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) and the secretary of the Konta Area Committee.
• Bijapur District: A separate operation was conducted in the Basaguda–Tarrem forest area starting at approximately 5:00 AM. In this encounter, 2 Maoists were killed.

Bastar Inspector General of Police, P. Sundarraj, confirmed that the forces recovered a large cache of sophisticated weaponry from the sites, including AK-47s, INSAS assault rifles, and SLR rifles, along with a significant amount of ammunition and camping equipment.

Decisive Strike Against the Konta Area Committee

The operation in Sukma is being hailed as a tactical victory, as officials believe the Konta Area Committee of the Maoists has been nearly decimated. Sachin Mangdu, the slain commander, was a key strategist for the insurgents and was the primary suspect in the June 2025 IED blast that killed Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akash Rao Giripunje.

The Sukma Superintendent of Police, Kiran Chavan, stated that this operation effectively neutralizes several commanders involved in past attacks on security personnel and infrastructure.

Strategic Context and Government Goals

These encounters come at a time of intensified pressure on Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. The Union Home Ministry has previously set a deadline of March 31, 2026, to completely eliminate Maoist violence from the country.

The Bastar region, once considered an impenetrable stronghold for the insurgents, has seen a steady increase in security camps and developmental projects, such as roads and healthcare facilities, which have further squeezed the operational space for the Maoist cadres.

Current Status

Search and combing operations are still underway in the dense forests of South Bastar to ensure no remaining armed groups are hiding in the vicinity. While no injuries to security personnel have been reported so far, the forces remain on high alert.

Government officials emphasized that while the kinetic operations continue, the “Lon Varratu” (Return to Your Home) rehabilitation campaign remains open for any Maoist cadres willing to lay down their arms and join the mainstream.