Chhattisgarh’s District Reserve Guards (DRG) killed top Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basvaraju and 26 others in a major anti-Naxal operation.
The 72-hour-long encounter took place in the dense forests of Abujhmarh in the Bastar region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the success on X.
“A landmark achievement in the battle to eliminate Naxalism. Today, in an operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, our security forces have neutralized 27 dreaded Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of CPI-Maoist, topmost leader, and the backbone of the Naxal movement,” he posted.
The post further added, “This is the first time in three decades of Bharat’s battle against Naxalism that a general secretary-ranked leader has been neutralized by our forces. I applaud our brave security forces and agencies for this major breakthrough.”
Police confirmed Basvaraju’s identity after several surrendered Maoists identified his body.
“It’s him. We got him,” said a senior SP.
Officials explained that high-profile identifications require careful verification, including DNA tests if needed.
The operation followed 15 days of intense planning.
Police gathered intelligence from Andhra Pradesh police and surrendered Maoists. They tracked Basvaraju to Orchha in Abujhmarh, about 60 km from Narayanpur and 300 km from Raipur.
Basvaraju was hiding with other Politburo and Central Committee members.
Hardcore PLGA and Marh Division cadres guarded their camp.
DRG teams from Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Kondagaon launched the strike based on precise inputs.
Gunfights broke out 15–20 km from Orchha. Maoists retreated by Wednesday.
“We recovered 27 Naxalite bodies and many weapons,” said Bastar Range IG P Sundarraj. “One DRG jawan was martyred. Some personnel sustained injuries but are stable now.”
Basvaraju carried a bounty of ₹1.5 crore. Police called this the biggest encounter in Abujhmarh.
“We believe many senior Maoists are either dead or seriously injured,” an officer said.
Troops will take another day to return due to the difficult terrain.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the DRG’s role.
“Our forces are advancing with full commitment despite difficult conditions,” he said. “This is a historic day. We got the No.1 Maoist.”
He confirmed the operation’s success and mourned the martyred jawan.
Deputy CM Vijay Sharma said, “The operation lasted 72 hours and shows the strength of our forces.”
Amit Shah also said 54 Naxals have been arrested and 84 have surrendered under Operation Black Forest. He reaffirmed the Modi government’s goal to eliminate Naxalism by 31 March 2026.
The Chhattisgarh government formed the District Reserve Guards in May 2015. It initially operated in Sukma, Dantewada, and Bijapur, and later expanded to Mungeli, Rajnandgaon, Kabirdham, and Narayanpur.
The DRG comprises local youth and surrendered Maoists. The unit leads many frontline anti-Naxal missions.
Also Read: PM Modi Declares Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan Airbase In ‘ICU’ After ‘Operation Sindoor’
Justice Vikram Nath praised PM Modi’s vision for inclusive, tech-driven justice and legal empowerment.
Justice Surya Kant urged empathetic, tech-driven legal aid reforms to make justice accessible and inclusive.
Supreme Court to live stream NALSA’s National Conference and Legal Services Day celebrations online.
CJI Gavai calls legal aid Gandhi Ji’s talisman in action, reaffirming justice for all.
PM Modi stresses ‘Ease of Justice’ as key to ensuring equality, empowerment, and timely access.
NASM-certified trainer Alex highlights ten warning signs of overtraining at the Gym, from persistent soreness…