Chhattisgarh, May 21 (V7N) — At least 26 Maoist rebels were killed during a prolonged gunfight with Indian security forces in the Narayanpur-Bijapur border area of Chhattisgarh, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The fierce encounter lasted about 50 hours and followed a security operation that began several days ago in Narayanpur district. Prior to this, the security forces had conducted a 21-day operation targeting Maoist hideouts on the border of Chhattisgarh and Telangana states.

Among those killed was the notorious Maoist commander Basavaraj, also known as Bala Keshav Rao, the 65-year-old Andhra Zone chief. A bounty of one crore rupees had been placed on his head.

Security forces including the District Reserve Guard (DRG) from Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Dantewada districts launched the operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of senior Maoist commanders in the region.

According to the Union Home Ministry, the operation resulted in the destruction of 214 Naxal hideouts and bunkers and the recovery of hundreds of explosives.

A total of 26,000 security personnel were involved in the operation, which is part of the ongoing efforts to quell the decades-long armed guerrilla warfare by Maoists in central and eastern India.

Just two weeks ago, 15 Maoists were killed in a similar encounter near Karegutta hills in Bijapur district, close to the Telangana border.

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