Major Encounter Reported in Karregutta

A major encounter took place in the Karregutta forest area along the Telangana–Chhattisgarh border. According to reports, five Maoists were killed in the incident. Among the deceased were senior leaders, including top Maoist leader Devji. Following the encounter, security forces intensified combing operations across the region to track down other cadres.

As part of Operation-2 in Karregutta, nearly 5,000 CRPF personnel are conducting extensive search operations. Operation Kagar is specifically targeting key Maoist leaders such as Devji and Sodi. Meanwhile, reports indicate that some senior Maoist leaders are considering surrender. With only 40 days remaining before the deadline of Operation Kagar, security forces have heightened their efforts.

The Union Home Ministry has increased its focus on Maoist activities, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is closely monitoring developments. Launched on January 1, 2024, Operation Kagar is being carried out across Maoist-affected regions, including the forests of Telangana–Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Odisha. Several top leaders and hundreds of Maoists have reportedly been killed in counter-operations. In another major encounter in the Rampachodavaram forests, most-wanted Maoist leader and guerrilla strategist Madvi Hidma was also reported dead. The central government has set a target to completely eliminate Maoist presence in the country by March 31 this year.