Tue Jan 21 07:22:37 UTC 2025: ## 14 Maoists Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter, Including High-Value Target

**Raipur, Chhattisgarh –** A major encounter between security forces and Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district resulted in the death of 14 Maoists, including Jayaram Reddy, also known as Chalapati, a senior leader with a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head. The operation, lauded by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as a significant victory in the fight against Naxalism, took place late last night in a forest along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border.

A joint team comprising personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), and Odisha’s Special Operation Group (SOG) participated in the operation, which was launched based on intelligence reports. A large cache of weapons, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from the encounter site. A subsequent search operation is underway.

Chalapati, a central committee member of the Maoists and a key strategist, was approximately 60 years old and had recently relocated from the Abujhmad area due to increased security pressure. He was considered a high-value target.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the operation as a “mighty blow to Naxalism,” reiterating his commitment to a Naxal-free India by March 2026. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai echoed these sentiments, praising the security forces and expressing confidence in eradicating Maoist activity by the stated deadline.

The encounter is the latest in a series of successful operations against Maoists in Chhattisgarh. Over 200 Maoists were killed in the state in 2024, along with the arrest of over 800 more. While significant progress has been made, the fight continues, with 18 security personnel losing their lives in anti-Maoist operations last year.

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