IG Bastar P. Sundarraj on Wednesday said that the top-level leadership of CPI (Maoist) in Telangana has been reduced to "zero", asserting that the strength of the outfit is steadily declining in the state.
According to Inspector General of Police, Bastar range, P Sundarraj, the bodies of the two Naxals have been recovered. Security forces also seized an AK-47 rifle, a 9mm pistol, and other materials from the site.
An encounter broke out between security forces and Maoist cadres after the former launched a search operation in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Saturday morning.
Speaking to the media, the Bastar IG said sustained intelligence-based operations, coordinated action by multiple security agencies, and focused area domination had significantly weakened Maoist networks across the Bastar division. He added that surrendered cadres are being rehabilitated
operation was launched based on specific intelligence indicating the presence of Maoists in the southern regions of the Bijapur and Sukma districts. During the operation, security forces engaged in multiple encounters with Maoists in the area.
The Bastar Range in Chhattisgarh had a historic and decisive year in 2025, achieving significant progress across security, peace, welfare, and development, said the release.
Bastar Inspector General (IG) P Sundarraj has reiterated the commitment to end Naxalism in the country by March 2026, saying that effective action is continuously being taken as per the central and state governments' orders.
Bastar IG P Sundarraj said that Maoist cadres who had previously taken the path of violence for one reason or another are now transforming and joining the mainstream of society.
The encounter between Naxalites and security forces went on for nearly 12 hours, during which three District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawans were killed in action.
Chhattisgarh is rehabilitating surrendered Naxals through yoga, Sudarshan Kriya and skill training. Over 30 former Naxals are practising yoga, while Livelihood College in Dantewada provides vocational courses and job support. Trainees say the programmes reduce stress, improve well-being a
Dinesh Pandey, Naxal leader and Divisional Committee Member (DVC) of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), Kutul Area Committee, was also among the cadre who laid down his arms and returned to the mainstream.
Bastar IG P Sundarraj on Tuesday called the killing of top Maoist leader Madvi Hidma a "decisive advantage" for security forces. He added that the militants now have no choice but to surrender and integrate into the mainstream or face consequences.