In a decisive anti-Naxal operation named Mission Sankalp, security forces have intensified their efforts along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, resulting in significant casualties among Maoist insurgents. As of May 7, 2025, reports indicate that 26 Naxals have been killed in this ongoing campaign, marking it as one of the largest operations against left-wing extremism this year.
The operation, which began on April 21, 2025, has mobilized around 24,000 troops, including personnel from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and various ground forces, such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Special Task Force (STF). This massive deployment aims to flush out key Maoist leaders believed to be hiding in the dense forests of the Karregutta hills, a region notorious for Naxal activity.
On May 5, security forces engaged in a fierce gunfight with Naxalites in the Bijapur district, where they recovered the body of a female Maoist along with a .303 rifle. This incident brought the total number of Naxal bodies recovered during the operation to four, with three found on April 24 and one on May 5.
Inspector General of Police for Bastar Range, Sundarraj P, noted, “Despite difficult geographical conditions and numerous challenges, the security forces are carrying forward this decisive operation against Left Wing Extremism with full commitment and determination.” He emphasized that many hideouts and bunkers have been destroyed, and thousands of kilograms of explosive materials, medicines, and daily-use items have been seized from Naxal hideouts.
In a related development, CRPF Assistant Commandant Sagar Borade was injured during the operation and was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi, where he is currently in stable condition. Additionally, two STF jawans suffered injuries from an IED blast, contributing to a total of seven injured personnel during the operation.
As the operation unfolds, a total of 213 Naxals have been arrested since the beginning of 2025, and 203 have surrendered, including 14 Naxalites with bounties totaling Rs 28.50 lakh who surrendered on April 28. Each surrendered Naxalite is being offered Rs 50,000 as part of the state’s rehabilitation initiative.
Security forces have recovered and defused approximately 135 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) throughout the operation, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Naxal insurgents in the region. The encounter remains active, with police officials confirming that the operation is still underway and that they are maintaining heavy pressure on the insurgency.
In the broader context, the anti-Naxal drive has witnessed heightened activity in recent weeks. In 2025 alone, 129 Maoists have been killed in the Bastar region, with a total of 146 casualties across Chhattisgarh. This marks a significant escalation in efforts to combat left-wing extremism, particularly in the face of increased Naxal activity.
As the situation develops, officials remain vigilant and committed to dismantling the Naxal infrastructure in the area. The joint operation involving various forces is expected to continue until the threat is neutralized, ensuring the safety and security of the region.
The Chhattisgarh police have stated that senior Maoist leaders have either been killed or injured in the ongoing encounters, but due to the challenging terrain, not all bodies have been recovered. The police are hopeful that the operation will lead to further successes in curbing Naxal influence.
In summary, Mission Sankalp represents a concerted effort by Indian security forces to tackle the persistent issue of Naxalism in the region. With significant military resources deployed and a clear strategy in place, authorities are pushing forward in their mission to restore peace and stability along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
