In a significant counter-insurgency operation, two prominent Maoist leaders, Raju Dada and Kosa Dada, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district. Both were allegedly members of the Central Committee of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) and had bounties of Rs 40 lakh each on their heads. The gun battle ensued during a pre-planned search operation based on credible intelligence regarding Maoist movement in the region. Following the intense exchange of fire, security teams recovered an array of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, and a substantial cache of explosives and Maoist propaganda materials. This operation reflects the efficacy of India’s security forces in systematically dismantling the leadership of the Maoist insurgency, with the death toll of Naxals in Chhattisgarh reaching 249 this year alone. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that such decisive actions significantly weaken the operational command of the Maoist groups, contributing to the overarching goal of eradicating Maoism from India by March 2026. This latest operation underscores the continuous efforts and resolve of the Indian government to restore peace and stability in the region, highlighting the importance of sustained anti-Naxal strategies in addressing the underlying issues of insurgency and promoting development in affected areas.