In an ongoing operation in the Abujhmad forests of Chhattisgarh, security forces have killed four Naxalites, with their bodies recovered from the site of the encounter. Along with the bodies, significant arms and ammunition have been seized, including an AK-47, a self-loading rifle (SLR), and other automatic weapons.
The encounter, which began earlier this week, has led to intense firefights between Naxalites and a combined team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF) from four districts — Dantewada, Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur. As of the latest update, the operation is still active, with security forces maintaining a strong presence in the area.
Tragically, during the operation, Head Constable Sannu Karam of the Dantewada DRG was killed in action. Karam, a seasoned officer, succumbed to injuries sustained in the exchange of fire. His death is a significant loss to the DRG, which has been at the forefront of counterinsurgency operations in the region.
The Abujhmad region, known for its difficult terrain and dense forests, has long been a stronghold of Naxalites. The ongoing encounter is part of a broader effort by state security forces to dismantle the Naxal infrastructure in the Bastar division. IG Bastar P. Sundarraj confirmed that additional reinforcements have been deployed to support the operation and neutralize any remaining threats in the area.
Authorities have cautioned local communities to stay clear of the conflict zone, as the encounter is still underway. While the security forces continue their offensive, the operation reflects the persistent challenges posed by Naxal insurgency in the region.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the fight will continue to end the Naxal menace.
"So far, there is news of four Naxalites being killed in an encounter between security forces and Naxalites in the south Abujhmaad region bordering Narayanpur and Dantewada districts," Sai said in a post on X.
The chief minister expressed grief over the policeman's death in the gunfight.
"DRG head constable Sannu Karam was also martyred in the encounter. His sacrifice will not go in vain. Security forces have been fighting very strongly against Naxalism and the fight will continue till the menace is eliminated," he said.
On January 3, a Naxalite was killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, which falls in Raipur division.
Last year, 219 Naxalites were neutralised by security forces in separate encounters in the state, according to police. The state's Bastar region comprises seven districts, including Dantewada and Narayanpur.
