(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
The Madhya Pradesh Police have achieved another major success in their ongoing anti-Naxal operations. On February 19, 2025, in a fierce encounter, the police gunned down four notorious female Naxals from the Bhormadev Area Committee of the MMC Zone (Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh). This marks a significant victory in the fight against Maoist insurgents, as the slain Naxals had a reward of ₹62 lakh placed on their heads.

The aggressive strategy adopted by the police in recent times has brought them significant success, including eliminating several key figures in the Maoist movement. On the 19th, following continuous intelligence inputs regarding the activities of these extremists in the Sukhkhar Jungle area near Gadhi and Katoldahi in the Balaghat district, security forces launched a search operation. The Naxals had been attempting to cause harm to the security forces in retaliation for their losses in previous encounters.

During the search, at around noon, the Maoists initiated an ambush, attempting to inflict casualties on the security forces and seize their weapons. However, the forces retaliated with swift and effective counter-fire, neutralizing four female Naxals. The police recovered several weapons from the scene, including an INSAS rifle with a magazine, an SLR rifle with a magazine, a 303 rifle, and a 315 rifle, along with other daily-use items.

The incident is particularly significant as it marks the first such major success in the region in over 30 years. The last major success was in 1996, when four Maoists were killed in the Dheri-Murum Jungle of Balaghat.

In the aftermath of the encounter, security forces, including CRPF, Hawk Force, and district police, have been conducting a large-scale search operation in the dense forest to track down other Maoists who managed to escape despite being injured.

Details of the Deceased Maoists:
Asha, resident of South Bastar, Sukma District, Chhattisgarh. Weapon: INSAS Rifle.

Ranjita alias Ramli Almi, resident of Tumriwal Village, Kusham Block, Mardapal Tehsil, Kondagaon District, Chhattisgarh. Weapon: SLR Rifle.

Sarita alias Sheila alias Padma, resident of Penta Village, Jagarkugunda Police Station, Sukma District, Chhattisgarh. Weapon: 303 Rifle.

Lakkhe Maravi, resident of Sukma District, Chhattisgarh. Weapon: 315 Rifle.

All four deceased were members of the Bhormadev Area Committee of the MMC (Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh) Zone’s Kanha-Bhormadev Division. The police are in the process of gathering information regarding the criminal cases filed against them.

This successful encounter highlights the growing strength of Madhya Pradesh Police’s efforts in dismantling the Maoist network, making a significant stride in ensuring the safety and peace of the region.