An encounter occurred between security forces and Naxalites in the Gadchiroli district of eastern Maharashtra on Wednesday. Security forces achieved a major success in this encounter, resulting in the death of at least four Naxalites, including three female Naxalites. The incident took place near the border of Gadchiroli and Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh.
Reliable information indicated the presence of the Gatta Dalam, Company Number 10, and other Maoist units of the Gadchiroli division in the Koperashi forest area on August 25.
Following the information, 19 units of the C-60, the anti-Naxalite commando force of the Gadchiroli Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) took immediate action. Despite heavy rainfall for the past two days, a team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Oratizans M. Ramesh reached the forest on Wednesday morning.
When the team was conducting a search operation, the Naxalites opened fire. Security personnel retaliated, and intermittent firing continued for approximately eight hours. Subsequently, the bodies of three women and one man were recovered. An SLR rifle, two INSAS rifles, and a .303 rifle were also recovered.
The anti-Naxal operation is ongoing along the border of Gadchiroli and Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh. The District Police Force and the Central Security Forces are jointly searching the forest area, as there is suspicion that some Naxalites are still hiding in the area. The encounter is considered a significant achievement for the security forces, given that the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border has long been affected by Naxalite activities. Officials have stated that the operation will be intensified to maintain pressure on the Naxalites and ensure the safety of local citizens.