In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s anti-Maoist operations, security forces neutralized two high-ranking Maoist leaders, Vijay Reddy and Lokesh Salame, during an encounter in the Banda Pahad region, carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 35 lakh. The operation, spearheaded by a joint team from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), was initiated based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of senior Maoist cadres. Following a fierce exchange of gunfire, both Reddy, a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, and Salame, a divisional committee head, were killed, marking a notable success in Chhattisgarh’s ongoing campaign against left-wing extremism. This year alone, 229 Maoists have been neutralized in the state, with 208 of these encounters occurring in the Bastar division, highlighting the state’s aggressive strategy to dismantle Maoist networks amidst challenging conditions. The operation underscores the commitment of Indian security forces to restore peace in the region, demonstrating their resolve against insurgency while ensuring the safety of local communities plagued by Maoist violence. The strategic elimination of these commanders, who had instilled fear in local populations, is a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence-driven operations in combating extremist threats.