Security sources indicated unverified reports of the presence of senior Maoist leader Papa Rao, along with a large group of armed cadres, in the area. “We cannot independently confirm the presence of any specific leader at this stage,” an official said.
The District Reserve Guard (DRG), conducting an anti-Maoist operation in the national park, first encountered the group during a routine patrol. The area has been cordoned off, and search operations are ongoing to recover the bodies of the slain Maoists and trace other members who may have dispersed into the dense forest.
Bijapur Police, in a press note, stated that operational specifics—including the exact location of the encounter and the number of personnel involved—cannot be disclosed at present, citing the safety of security forces.
Security agencies highlighted that Maoist leadership in the Bastar region has been weakened over the last 18 months. At least 23 senior Maoist leaders have been killed in encounters across Chhattisgarh and neighboring states, while several others have surrendered. Officials said only a few top operatives remain active in the West Bastar division, moving through dense forest areas to evade authorities.
Multi-state teams from Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra continue to pursue senior Maoist leaders, several of whom have cash rewards exceeding ₹1 crore. Papa Rao, also known as Mangu, is a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee and is believed to be familiar with the terrain of Bastar. Officials said his neutralisation or surrender would significantly disrupt Maoist operations in the region.
The ongoing operation underscores the government’s continued focus on counter-insurgency measures in Chhattisgarh, where security forces aim to prevent organized violence and dismantle remaining Maoist networks.
Authorities urged local residents to avoid the forested areas until the encounter concludes and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of security personnel and civilians.
