In a significant operation, security forces in India's Chhattisgarh state have eliminated at least 29 Maoists, including top Maoist leader Shankar Rao, in a fierce clash in Kanker district. The operation, conducted by joint forces of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of Chhattisgarh Police and the Border Security Force (BSF), saw a major breakthrough in the fight against Maoist insurgency in the region.

According to reports from NDTV, the gunfight erupted on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the death of the wanted Maoist leader whose head carried a bounty of 25 lakh rupees. Three security personnel sustained injuries during the exchange of fire, with weapons including AK-47 rifles and three light machine guns recovered from the scene.

Bastar Inspector General Sundarraj P disclosed that over 60,000 security personnel have been deployed in the district ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on April 19, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining peace and security in the region during the electoral process.

The operation, which commenced around 1:30 pm on Tuesday in the Kalpar forest of Chotebetia police station, witnessed an intense firefight between the security forces and Maoist insurgents. The DRG, established in 2008 to combat Maoist activities, joined forces with the BSF to conduct the successful operation.

A BSF spokesperson revealed that the joint operation was launched based on intelligence inputs, leading to a confrontation with Maoist elements. During the exchange of gunfire, two BSF personnel and one DRG member sustained injuries, with all three currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

This latest encounter marks a significant blow to Maoist insurgents operating in Chhattisgarh, following similar clashes in recent months. The security forces have remained vigilant in their efforts to neutralize Maoist threats ahead of key electoral events and maintain stability in the state.