Wed Jan 22 07:26:28 IST 2025: ## Top Maoist Leader Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter
**Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, January 22, 2025** – The death of prominent Maoist leader Ramachandra Reddy Gari Pratap Reddy, alias Chalapati, in a recent encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh has sent shockwaves through his native village of Matyam Paipalle in Chittoor district. Chalapati, who served as the Odisha secretary for the Maoist group, was a high-profile target with a ₹1 crore bounty on his head.
Educated to postgraduate level and formerly employed by the Sericulture Department, Chalapati’s path diverged during his time in Visakhapatnam, where he became involved with Maoist factions. He rose through the ranks to become a significant leader, known for his ability to evade capture. A previous encounter in the Visakha Agency area saw him escape law enforcement.
His family reportedly distanced themselves from him years ago due to his involvement with the Maoist movement. His elder brother continues to work in the Sericulture department in Madanapalle. Locals report the family left their ancestral home due to the escalating tensions surrounding Chalapati’s activities.
The killing is considered a major blow to the Maoist movement in the agency areas. The incident has prompted considerable reaction in his home village.
First Piper 