Chhattisgarh Encounter: 28 Maoists Killed in Narayanpur Operation
Incident Overview
A major encounter unfolded in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on May 21, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 28 Maoists during a clash with security forces. The operation, conducted in the dense Abujhmad forests, targeted a Maoist stronghold based on intelligence inputs.
Operational Details
Security forces, including District Reserve Guards (DRG) from Narayanpur, Bijapur, Dantewada, and Kondagaon, launched a coordinated operation in the Abujhmad region. The encounter began Wednesday morning and continued, with Maoists initiating gunfire, prompting a robust response.
Key Casualty: Maoist Leader
Among the deceased is Nambala Keshava Rao, alias Basavaraj, a senior Maoist leader with a Rs 1.5 crore bounty. Rao, a key figure in the CPI (Maoist) and former general secretary, was instrumental in guerrilla warfare strategies.
Profile of Nambala Keshava Rao
Hailing from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, Rao joined the Maoist movement in the 1970s, rising to lead the Central Military Commission. His expertise in improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and involvement in the 2010 attack killing 76 CRPF personnel made him a high-priority target.
Security Forces’ Losses
One police assistant was killed, and another jawan sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the encounter. Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the operation’s intensity and ongoing monitoring.
Seizures and Strategic Impact
Security forces recovered Maoist bodies and a significant cache of weapons and explosives from the site. The operation is seen as a critical blow to Maoist leadership in the region, with potential for further casualties.
Recent Context
This encounter follows a 24-day operation in April-May 2025 along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, where 31 Maoists, including 16 women, were killed in the Karreguttalu hills. The Narayanpur operation underscores ongoing efforts to curb Maoist insurgency.
Key Incident Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Abujhmad forests, Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh |
| Date | May 21, 2025 |
| Casualties | 28 Maoists, 1 police assistant |
| Key Figure | Nambala Keshava Rao (alias Basavaraj), Rs 1.5 crore bounty |
| Forces Involved | DRG from Narayanpur, Bijapur, Dantewada, Kondagaon |
| Outcome | Weapons, explosives seized; operation ongoing |
Official Confirmation
Narayanpur SP Prabhat Kumar confirmed the encounter, noting the possibility of an increased death toll as operations continue. The state government remains committed to neutralizing Maoist threats by March 2026.