30 Maoists killed in two separate encounters in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh Encounters Leave 30 Maoists Dead Amid Intensified Anti-Insurgency Operations

In one of the most significant blows to left-wing extremism this year, security forces eliminated at least 30 Maoist cadres in two separate gun battles across Chhattisgarh's restive Bastar region on Tuesday. The operations, conducted by joint teams of CRPF's elite CoBRA unit and local police, have sparked both relief and renewed tension in the conflict-ridden zone.  

The first encounter erupted at dawn in the dense forests of Bijapur district when a patrol team came under heavy fire near Timmapuram village. "Our troops retaliated with precision after taking defensive positions," explained IG (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P. "The exchange lasted nearly three hours, leaving 12 insurgents dead."  

Just hours later, a second confrontation unfolded 80km away in Sukma's Konta block, where intelligence-led operations targeted a Maoist platoon. Drone footage later revealed makeshift bunkers abandoned as 18 more bodies were recovered, including two women cadres. Among the deceased was a divisional commander carrying a ₹25 lakh bounty, marking a strategic victory for security forces.  

Villagers in nearby Dornapal described hearing continuous gunfire through the afternoon. "The sounds didn't stop until sunset," shared farmer Arjun Markam, whose fields border the encounter site. "We saw helicopters circling all day."  

While police displayed recovered AK-47s, grenade launchers, and propaganda material, human rights activists raised concerns. "We're verifying reports that some killed were recent recruits coerced into joining," said tribal rights advocate Soni Sori, demanding judicial inquiries.  

The operations come weeks before state elections, with Home Minister Amit Shah hailing them as "decisive strikes against terrorism." However, Bastar's Superintendent of Police cautioned: "This isn't the end. Maoists may retaliate against civilians."  

As forensic teams work at the sites, the encounters have reignited debates about development versus militarization in India's Maoist heartland. With security forces maintaining high alert, the region holds its breath for what comes next in this decades-long conflict.