New Delhi: In a major anti-Maoist operation on Thursday, 10 Maoists, including senior CPI-Maoist leader Modem Balakrishna, were killed in Gariaband, Chhattisgarh. Acting on intelligence about Maoist presence in Mainpur forests, joint teams of Gariaband E30, STF, and CoBRA (an elite CRPF unit) conducted the operation.

Balakrishna (58) from Warangal district in Telangana, carried a bounty of ₹1 crore. His elimination is seen as a significant blow to Naxal activities in the area. Separately, security forces arrested 26 active Maoist members, including six with a combined bounty of ₹13 lakh, in multiple operations across Bijapur district. The crackdown involved DRG Bijapur, police from five stations, CoBRA 205, and CRPF’s 196 and 62 Battalions.

Officials said explosives, weapons, and banned propaganda materials were seized. During questioning, the Maoists admitted plans to plant IEDs targeting security forces. Cases under the IPC and Explosives Act have been registered, and all accused are in judicial custody.

In recent months, operations have significantly reduced Naxal activity in the red corridor, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Telangana. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that the government aims to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.

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