An encounter broke out between security forces and Maoist insurgents in the Koylibeda region of Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district on Wednesday evening. The exchange of fire occurred during a search operation launched by a joint team of security personnel after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of armed Maoist cadres in the area.
According to Kanker Superintendent of Police Nikhil Rakhecha, a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and other security forces had set out on a combing operation in the dense forests of Koylibeda. As the forces began cordoning off the suspected location, Maoist cadres allegedly opened fire on the advancing team, triggering a brief gun battle.
Security personnel retaliated in self defence, following which the Maoists managed to escape into the dense forest under the cover of darkness and difficult terrain. Officials confirmed that there were no immediate reports of casualties from either side in the exchange.
During subsequent searches at the encounter site, security forces recovered explosive materials, Maoist literature and items of daily use believed to have been left behind by the fleeing insurgents. Preliminary assessment suggests that the gunfight involved a small Maoist squad active in the region.
SP Rakhecha said security forces have intensified search operations across the surrounding forest area, with additional teams deployed and road blockades strengthened to track down the fleeing Maoists.
The incident comes amid sustained anti Maoist operations across Bastar division, where security forces have stepped up intelligence-led campaigns in recent months. Officials say that with rising surrenders and continued pressure from security operations, Maoist groups are attempting to demonstrate their presence in some pockets.
Authorities maintain that the search operation in the Koylibeda region will continue until the area is fully sanitised. Security forces remain on high alert as they seek to prevent any regrouping of insurgent squads in the sensitive forest belt.