Security forces achieved a major breakthrough in Gadchiroli district, eastern Maharashtra, on Wednesday, eliminating four Naxalites in a fierce encounter. The gun battle occurred near the border of Gadchiroli district bordering Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh.
Intelligence reports indicated the presence of the Gatta Dalam, Company Number 10 and other Maoist units in the Koperashi forest area. Subsequently, 19 units of C-60, Gadchiroli Police’s anti-Naxal commando force, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were mobilized.
Despite relentless rainfall for the past two days, a team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Oratizans M. Ramesh, entered the forest early Wednesday morning. The Naxalites initiated gunfire, which led to an intense exchange that lasted for approximately eight hours. After the encounter, the bodies of three women and one man were recovered, along with one SLR rifle, two INSAS rifles, and a .303 rifle.
Anti-Naxal operations are ongoing along the Gadchiroli-Chhattisgarh border. The District Police Force and central security forces are collaboratively searching the forest area, anticipating that some Naxalites may still be hiding. This encounter marks a significant achievement, given the prolonged Naxalite presence in the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border region. Authorities confirmed that the operation will be further intensified to sustain the pressure on Naxalites and ensure the safety of the local population.