BIJAPUR/RAIPUR — Security forces in Chhattisgarh achieved a significant breakthrough on Thursday, February 26, 2026, after neutralising two Naxalites during an intensive encounter in the dense forests of Bijapur district. The exchange of fire took place during the early morning hours in the forest tracts along the Indravati River, a region historically known for its difficult terrain and high insurgent activity.
The encounter was the result of a coordinated anti-Naxalite operation launched by a joint team of various security wings, including the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Acting on specific intelligence regarding the movement of a Maoist platoon, the forces cordoned off the forest area. According to a senior police official, the Naxalites opened fire upon detecting the security personnel, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours.
Following the cessation of gunfire, a thorough search of the area led to the recovery of two bodies clad in traditional Maoist uniforms. In addition to the bodies, security personnel seized a significant cache of weaponry, including a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), an Insas rifle, and a .12-bore rifle. The recovery of these sophisticated firearms suggests that the neutralised individuals were part of a well-equipped cadre.
This operation brings the total number of Maoists killed in separate encounters across Chhattisgarh to at least 25 so far in 2026. While the identities of the deceased are currently being verified, officials believe they may have been involved in several recent acts of violence against infrastructure projects in the Bastar division. A massive search and sanitisation operation remains underway in the Indravati riverine area to ensure no other insurgents are hiding in the vicinity.
