Major Anti-Naxal Operation Results in the Deaths of 12 Insurgents at Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh Border

Security forces killed 12 Naxals, including a top commander, in a major operation at the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border. The offensive resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of arms. Two security personnel sustained injuries but are reported to be out of danger.

In a significant anti-Naxal operation, security forces launched a major offensive today at Wandoli Village on the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border, resulting in the deaths of 12 naxals and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms. The operation, spearheaded by seven C60 parties and led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (Operations), began at around 10 am based on credible intelligence about 12-15 Naxals camping in the area.

The afternoon saw a heavy exchange of fire that continued intermittently for over six hours into the late evening. Following the encounter, security forces recovered the bodies of 12 naxals, including DVCM Laxman Atram, alias Vishal Atram, who was the in-charge of the Tipagad Dalam. Among the weapons seized were seven automatic firearms, including three AK-47 rifles, two INSAS rifles, one carbine, and one self-loading rifle (SLR).

One Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) of the C60 unit and one jawan sustained bullet injuries during the encounter. Both were evacuated and shifted to Nagpur, where they are reported to be out of danger. ANI reported that both injured security personnel are now recovering.

(With inputs from agencies.)