Four Naxals gunned down near Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

Gadchiroli, May 23: In a significant blow to Naxal activities, security forces neutralised four hardcore Maoists during a fierce gunbattle early Friday near the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border.

The encounter unfolded along the Indravati riverbank, close to the newly established Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Kawande, where a joint force of Gadchiroli Police and CRPF was conducting an intensive search operation.

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The operation, launched Thursday afternoon despite heavy rains, was based on specific intelligence and spearheaded by Additional SP Ramesh.

It involved a substantial deployment of around 300 personnel, including 12 C60 commando units and CRPF forces, who moved from Kawande and Nelgunda toward the forested area along the river.

While laying a cordon on Friday morning, the security team came under sudden gunfire from Maoist insurgents, triggering a retaliatory exchange that lasted nearly two hours.

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Following the clash, a search of the area led to the recovery of four Maoist bodies along with a cache of weapons, including an automatic Self Loading Rifle, two .303 rifles, and a country-made Bharmar firearm.

Authorities also seized walkie-talkies, Naxal literature, and camping gear from the site. The area continues to be combed as part of ongoing efforts to track down any remaining Maoists hiding in the region.