The dense and largely unexplored forests of Abujhmad in Bastar, Chhattisgarh—often dubbed the “hills of the unknown”—have long served as a stronghold for Maoist activity. On Friday, this remote region became the focal point of one of the most significant anti-Maoist operations in recent history, delivering a substantial blow to left-wing extremism in the area.
In a large-scale offensive, security forces killed 31 Maoists, including Kamlesh alias RK, one of the most-wanted commanders, and Niti alias Urmila, a spokesperson for the group. Both were key figures in the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC). Kamlesh, originally from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh and a former student of the Civil Industrial Training Institute (ITI), was wanted in five states and was active across Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Maharashtra. Urmila, hailing from Gangalur in Bijapur, played a crucial role in the Maoist propaganda machinery.
The operation was initiated after intelligence reports indicated the presence of at least 50 Maoists in the region, including prominent members from the Indravati Area Committee and the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army Company No. 6. Specific intelligence pointed to Kamlesh, Urmila, another commander known as Nandu, and other Maoists hiding between the villages of Thulthuli and Nendur, within the Orchha and Barsur police station limits.
A joint team comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and additional forces from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trekked 25 kilometers deep into the forest to launch a surprise pincer movement against the Maoists. The ensuing gunfight lasted for hours and extended over an additional 10 kilometers.
Officials reported the recovery of 31 bodies and the seizure of weapons including light machine guns (LMGs), AK-47s, self-loading rifles (SLRs), INSAS rifles, and .303 caliber firearms—evidence of the presence of senior Maoist cadres.
A DRG soldier, Ramchandra Yadav, was injured during the operation but has been safely evacuated and is in stable condition. Security forces continue to search the surrounding areas to apprehend any remaining Maoists who may have escaped.
Three Major Successes in Six Months
This operation marks a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to eradicate left-wing extremism in the Bastar region and is considered the most substantial setback for Maoists since the Kanker operation in April.
On April 15, a major encounter in Kanker district resulted in the deaths of 29 Maoists, including 15 women. Among the deceased were two Divisional Committee-level leaders, each with a bounty of ₹8 lakh. The firefight lasted over five and a half hours.
Four months later, on August 29, another significant encounter occurred on the border between Narayanpur and Kanker districts in the Abujhmad region. Three uniformed female Maoists, identified as members of the North Bastar Division Committee and the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army Company No. 5, were killed.
