14 Maoists Killed in Odisha-Chhattisgarh Border Operation

Chhattisgarh : At least fourteen Maoists were killed in a major anti-Maoist operation along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in Gariaband district on January 21, 2025. The police initially reported two fatalities on January 20, but updated the numbers following the recovery of additional bodies after the operation. The operation, which targeted a Maoist hideout, marks a significant blow to the insurgent group in the region.

Among those killed was Jayaram alias Chalpati, a senior member of the central committee of the Maoists, which is the highest decision-making body within the group. Chalpati, who carried a reward of ₹1 crore for information leading to his capture, was considered a high-value target by security forces. His death is expected to deal a severe blow to the leadership and operations of the Maoist insurgency in the region.

Gariaband Superintendent of Police Nikhil Rakhecha confirmed the fatalities and mentioned that a large cache of arms and ammunition had been seized during the operation. The police also suggested that there could be more Maoists killed, as the operation was still ongoing and more bodies might be found as the area is further cleared.

The encounter took place in a dense forest area near the border between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, a region that has long been a hotspot for Maoist activity. Security forces, including personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the state police, and other specialized units, had been engaged in a series of operations in the area as part of an intensified effort to root out Maoist presence in the region.

The encounter has prompted praise from local authorities and law enforcement officials for the successful operation, which they believe will disrupt Maoist operations and improve security in the area. However, experts caution that the death of key figures like Chalpati may lead to retaliatory actions from the Maoist group, potentially escalating violence in the region.