Over 28 Naxalites were killed in a fierce encounter that broke out between Maoists and security personnel in the Bastar region, Chhattisgarh, on Friday.
The joint operation was carried out by the state police's District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF). According to officials, the fight broke out at around 1 pm in the forest between Thulthuli and Nendur villages in Abhujmaad on the Narayanpur-Dantewada inter-district border.
According to officials, 28 bodies were recovered. A cache of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and one SLR (self-loading rifle), were recovered from the encounter spot.
The security forces, reportedly, are still pursuing a few remaining Maoists who have retreated deeper into the forest.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the security forces for their operation and said the 'double engine' government (BJP government in the state and at the Centre) is determined to eliminate the menace.
Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai had said around 30 Naxalites were killed in the gun battle, reported PTI.
While, CM Sai in a post said, “There is news of 28 Naxalites gunned down in an encounter with security forces in the border area of Narayanpur-Dantewada districts.”
“The great success achieved by the soldiers is commendable. I salute their courage and valour...Our fight to eliminate Naxalism will end only after reaching its conclusion. Our double-engine government is determined for this. Eliminating Naxalism from the state is our aim," he added.
With the latest encounter, 185 Maoists have been gunned down by the security forces in separate gun battles in the Bastar region comprising seven districts, including Dantewada and Narayanpur, so far this year, police said.