Security forces in Chhattisgarh achieved a major success in their ongoing anti-Maoist campaign on Thursday, killing at least 10 Maoists in a fierce gun battle in the forests of Matal under Mainpur police station limits in Gariaband district.
The joint operation, carried out by the Special Task Force (STF), CoBRA commandos, and the E-30 unit, underscores the mounting pressure on Maoist networks in the state’s insurgency-hit belt.
The encounter began early in the morning after credible intelligence inputs about Maoist presence in the area. Gariaband Superintendent of Police Nikhil Rakhecha confirmed the development, stating, “A prolonged exchange of fire took place in Matal. We can confirm the death of ten Maoists. Due to heavy rainfall, operations have been temporarily halted, recovery and identification of the bodies will resume tomorrow.”
The district administration has appealed to villagers to stay indoors and cooperate with security personnel as combing operations continue. Reinforcements have been deployed to secure the encounter site, and additional surveillance measures are underway to prevent further insurgent movement in the area.
This operation comes on the heels of several notable successes by security forces in Bastar and neighbouring districts. Gariyaband SP Nikhil Rakhecha remarked, “ this Coordinated strike demonstrate the growing dominance of security forces in Maoist strongholds. Each successful operation erodes their operational capacity and strengthens civilian confidence in the state’s efforts.”