The encounter on Wednesday began near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Security forces are understood to have recovered the bodies of 18 Maoists and are continuing the combing operations.
Published May 08, 2025 | 2:59 PM ⚊ Updated May 08, 2025 | 2:59 PM
Operation Kagar, launched in 2024, is aimed at ending Maoist insurgency in the so-called Red Corridor spread over Chhattisgarh, Telangana and other neighbouring states by March 2026. (Representational photo).
Synopsis: The multi-unit, massive operation against Maoists has the involvement of more than 20,000 personnel, including the CoBRAs — CRPF’s elite commandos with expertise in guerrilla and jungle warfare. Advanced surveillance mechanisms are also being used.
At least 26 Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces on Wednesday, 7 May.
The gunfight took place in the Karreguttalu Hills — a rugged, forested terrain spread over the Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh and Telangana’s Mulugu district — after a standoff that began on 21 April.
Security forces launched a massive operation involving over 20,000 personnel following intelligence about the presence of top Maoist commander Hidma Madvi in the area. Known for their familiarity with the dense Dandakaranya forest, the Maoists initially managed to evade capture. It is suspected they may have deliberately planted misleading information to confuse the forces.
Karreguttalu, reportedly, has bunkers and escape tunnels, aiding the Maoists. Though Hidma is believed to have been in the area, he has so far eluded capture, and reports suggested that he may have already escaped. Maoists had also warned residents to stay away from the area, claiming they had planted explosives.
The encounter on Wednesday began near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Security forces are understood to have recovered the bodies of 18 Maoists and are continuing the combing operations. The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed.
In a separate incident, which seemed to be a retaliatory strike, a landmine blast in Telangana’s Mulugu district claimed the lives of three policemen. The explosion occurred while personnel were combing the forest areas in Venkatapuram, close to the Chhattisgarh border.
The ongoing Operation Kagar in Chhattisgarh has elite forces such as the CRPF, CoBRAs (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, and the Special Task Force (STF). CRPF Director General GP Singh is stationed in Raipur, coordinating with the Chhattisgarh Police.
Advanced surveillance technology, including drones, helicopters, and satellite imagery, is being deployed in the operation, which aims to capture senior Maoist leaders like Hidma. Authorities estimate that up to 1,000 Maoists may be hiding within the 288 sq km Karreguttalu forest region.
The Maoists have long relied on the region’s undulating hills, deep valleys, and perennial rivers like the Godavari and its tributary Pranahita, using the natural cover to establish a strategic stronghold. However, after nearly two weeks of evasion, the insurgents appear to be losing their grip.
On 24 April, security forces gunned down three members of the Maoist People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) in an encounter. Forces have since set up base camps at Dobe Hills and Neelam Sarai Hills. They also raised the national flag at Dhobey Hills, declaring the area reclaimed from Maoist control, and are now advancing into other parts of the forest. Machine guns are also being used in the assault.
As Operation Kagar intensified, a Peace Committee in Hyderabad appealed to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to urge the Centre to suspend the offensive and explore the possibility of peace talks. Revanth Reddy responded positively, stating he would take the matter up with the party high command, as it was a national-level issue.
However, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar firmly ruled out talks with armed Maoists, holding them responsible for the killings of leaders of various political parties and policemen. He stated that the only option available to them was to surrender.
The Maoists have indicated a willingness to negotiate. On 24 April, Bastar CPI-Maoist in-charge Rupesh appealed to both the Chhattisgarh government and the Centre for dialogue. A similar offer came from the Maoist Central Committee on 29 April.
Despite these overtures, the governments have remained unresponsive. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and State Home Minister Vijay Sharma have both rejected the idea of negotiations, stating that the operations will continue.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
