Gariaband Encounter: 16 Naxalites Killed in Major Encounter in Chhattisgarh Odisha border

Gariaband, Chhattisgarh: Security forces have killed 16 Naxalites in an intense face-off with the ultras in the dense forests of Gariaband district on Tuesday. Senior Naxal leaders include Manoj, a Central Committee member and Odisha state head, and Guddu, a Special Zonal Committee member. Manoj carried a reward of ₹1 crore, and Guddu had a bounty of ₹25 lakh.

The encounter, which took place in the Bhalao Diggi forest area of Kulhadi Ghat under the Mainpur police station limits, was a major success in the ongoing anti-Naxal operations. Female Naxals were also reportedly among the dead. Security forces recovered an SLR rifle, automatic weapons, and other arms from the spot. The identity of other dead Naxals is being ascertained, and officials have said that more details will be revealed after the search operation ends.

The operation was a follow-up of operations initiated on Monday when security forces killed two Naxals in the same district. However, the encounter left a soldier of the Cobra Battalion injured, who was airlifted to Raipur in a critical condition. He is said to be stable now after treatment at Narayana Hospital.

Union Home Minister Praises Security Forces

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also praised the outcome of the joint operation. “Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SoG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralized 14 Naxalites in a joint operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border,” Shah posted on X.

Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SoG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralised 14 Naxalites in a joint operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. With our resolve for a Naxal-free…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 21, 2025

The extensive operation involved personnel from multiple units, including Cobra 207, CRPF 65 and 211 Battalion and the Special Operations Group of Nuapada. Intermittent firing through the day characterized the encounter. Security forces also recovered three IEDs and one automatic rifle from the encounter site.

The killing of top Naxal leaders such as Manoj and Jayram alias Chalpati, who carry ₹1 crore reward, has dealt a heavy blow to the Naxal activities in the region. This operation proves that the government is determined to root out Naxalism and restore peace in the affected areas.

The search operation is still going on. Authorities are still vigilant for any other Naxal presence in the area.