New Delhi/ Chhattisgarh: In a major crackdown against Maoists in Chhattisgarh, security forces killed 28 Naxalites in a fierce gunfight in the Bastar region on Friday, according to a senior police official.
The encounter occurred around 1 p.m. in the forests between Thulthuli and Nendur villages, near the Narayanpur-Dantewada border, during an anti-Naxal operation. Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range), Sundarraj P, confirmed the details, stating that personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF) were involved.
Sundarraj reported the death of 28 Naxalites, and weapons, including an AK-47 and an SLR, were seized from the site.
Earlier, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai estimated the death toll at around 30. So far this year, 185 Maoists have been killed in the Bastar region, including the latest operation. On April 16, a separate encounter in Kanker district resulted in the deaths of 29 Naxalites, including senior cadres.
