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The encounter took place in Narayanpur district near the Chhattisgarh–Maharashtra border after security forces launched an operation based on intelligence inputs
Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma | File Image
Days after the CPI (Maoist) offered to lay down arms, the Chhattisgarh government has asked the outlawed group to prove its commitment by surrendering all improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted across the state.
State Home Minister Vijay Sharma, speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, confirmed that the letter and voice note issued by Maoist spokesperson Abhay had been verified as authentic.
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“Both the letter and the voice note are genuine and appear to have been released with the full consent of the Maoist leadership,” he said, dismissing speculation of a rift between the Chhattisgarh and Telangana units of the group.
Sharma stressed that the government had taken the ceasefire offer seriously but ruled out any let-up in anti-Maoist operations.
“Even today, as we speak, a major operation has been carried out. Naxals will have to stop killing innocents and deposit IEDs at designated security camps as the first step,” he said.
Meanwhile, Thippiri Tirupathi alias Devuji, a native of Telangana, has been appointed as the new general secretary of the CPI (Maoist).
His elevation has triggered speculation that while cadres in Chhattisgarh, under sustained security pressure, may be leaning towards talks, the sentiment may not be shared in Telangana.
Major Blow In Abujhmad
The remarks came a day after security forces killed two senior Central Committee members of the CPI (Maoist) in an encounter in Narayanpur district’s Abujhmad region.
The slain leaders — Raju Dada alias Katta Ramachandra Reddy (63) and Kosa Dada alias Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy (67), both from Karimnagar in Telangana — carried rewards of ₹40 lakh each in Chhattisgarh.
Superintendent of Police Robinson said security forces launched the operation based on intelligence inputs.
After hours of heavy firing, the bodies were recovered along with an AK-47 rifle, an INSAS rifle, a BGL launcher, explosives, and Maoist literature.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the encounter as a “major victory,” saying security forces were “systematically dismantling the Maoist leadership and breaking the backbone of red terror.”
Bastar IGP Sundarraj P. termed the killings a “decisive setback” for the organisation and urged cadres to surrender. “The movement is nearing its end. It is time to return to the mainstream and avail the benefits of the government’s rehabilitation policy,” he said.
Chhattisgarh, India, India
September 22, 2025, 21:58 IST
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