Toll Rises To 31 In Dantewada Encounter As Search Operations Continue

The death toll from the recent encounter in Dantewada district has risen to 31. Meanwhile, security forces continue their search operations, recovering additional bodies of Naxalites involved in the clash.

Union Home Minister Engages with CM

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai late on Friday night. This conversation occurred just hours after security forces killed over 30 Maoists in the area. Notably, the operation precedes a high-level meeting scheduled for October 7, where Shah will meet with Chief Ministers and Home Ministers from Maoist-affected states in the national capital.

Successful Operation Reported

During their call, CM Sai briefed Shah on the operation’s success, which took place between 12:30 PM and 1 PM on Friday. Security forces recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the encounter site.

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In a post on the microblogging site X, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma celebrated the success of the operation. He stated, “Our security forces have scripted history by killing 28 Naxals. Today, four to five more bodies recover.” Moreover, Sharma emphasized the need for a robust surrender policy and urged individuals to return to the mainstream, stressing that Bastar’s resources belong to its people.

Commitment to Eradicating Naxalism

Additionally, Sharma echoed Home Minister Shah’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism by 2026, declaring that Maoism is “now counting its last breaths.”

Earlier on Friday, CM Sai reported that the encounter resulted in the deaths of 28 Naxalites in the border area of the Narayanpur-Dantewada district. He praised the courage and bravery of the security personnel, calling their success “commendable.” He reaffirmed the government’s determination to eliminate Naxalism from the state.

Upcoming High-Level Meeting

Looking ahead, Home Minister Shah is set to chair the meeting with state leaders on October 7. This follows his earlier commitment in September to victims of Maoist violence, assuring them that Maoism would be eradicated from the country by March 31, 2026. Shah urged those involved in Left Wing Extremism to lay down their arms and pursue a path of peace.