Major DRG operation in Sukma: Three Maoists killed in encounter, woman cadre among them

Digital Desk

Security forces have achieved a major success in an anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district. A team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG), deployed to track PLGA Battalion No. 1 commander Deva, encountered Maoists of the Kistaram Area Committee, leading to a gunfight in which three Maoists, including two Area Committee Members (ACM cadre), were killed. One of those killed was a woman. All three carried a combined bounty of ₹12 lakh.

The encounter took place on the morning of December 18 in the forested and hilly terrain of Gondiguda under the Golapalli police station limits. Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said the DRG launched a search operation after receiving specific intelligence about Maoist presence in the area. During the operation, the Maoists opened fire, prompting the security personnel to retaliate. Intermittent firing continued through the day, after which the forces secured the area.

Following the encounter, a search of the site led to the recovery of the bodies of one woman and two male Maoists. Security forces also seized a 9 mm service pistol, a 12-bore country-made gun, BGL shells, tiffin bombs, a large quantity of explosive material and Maoist documents. Officials said the slain Maoists were active in the Konta–Kistaram region and were involved in several serious incidents.

Bastar Range Inspector General P Sundarraj stated that a total of 255 Maoists have been killed in the Bastar region so far in 2025 during various operations. Those neutralised include members of the Central Committee, DKSZC and PLGA cadres. He said Maoism in Bastar is in its final phase, with the organisational structure of the outfit largely dismantled.

The IG appealed to active Maoists to abandon violence and take advantage of the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy. Security officials said anti-Maoist operations in the region will continue with the same intensity in the coming days.