Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, September 6 — A fierce encounter between security forces and Maoist insurgents continued on Friday in the dense forested region of Abujhmad, located along the border of Dantewada and Narayanpur districts in south Bastar. Acting on intelligence inputs about the presence of approximately 50 armed Maoists from the East Bastar Division, a joint team of security personnel launched a search operation in the early hours of the day.
During the exchange of fire, which persisted through the day, the body of a female Maoist was recovered along with a .303 rifle and two barrel grenade launchers (BGLs). Officials suspect that several other Naxal operatives may have been killed, although confirmation awaits further recovery efforts.
A senior police officer from Dantewada stated that the operation is ongoing and additional details will emerge once the area is fully combed. The terrain—Abujhmad, a 4,000 sq km stretch of dense forest—is notoriously difficult to navigate and has long served as a strategic hideout for top Maoist leaders. The region remains one of the few unsurveyed zones in India, complicating enforcement and surveillance efforts.
This latest operation follows a series of intensified anti-Naxal campaigns in Bastar division, where security forces have made significant gains in recent months. The crackdown is part of a broader strategy to dismantle Maoist strongholds and restore civilian governance in remote tribal areas.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding local communities and urged remaining insurgents to surrender under the government’s rehabilitation policy. As the gunbattle continues, security forces remain on high alert, anticipating further resistance from entrenched Maoist factions.
