Major Blow to Naxals: Four Top Cadres Eliminated in Gadchiroli Encounter, Rewards Totaling Rs 14 Lakh

In a significant victory for anti-Naxal operations, the Gadchiroli Police's elite C-60 commando unit successfully neutralized four hardcore Naxalites during a fierce encounter in the dense forests between Kolamarka and Perimili on Saturday morning. This decisive action strikes a major blow to the Naxal movement in the region, as the eliminated cadres carried a combined reward of Rs 14 lakh on their heads.

The intense gun battle unfolded as the C-60 commandos, acting on credible intelligence, launched a meticulously planned search operation in the remote and challenging terrain of the Kolamarka mountain range within the Perimili area, bordering Chhattisgarh.

The Naxalites, caught off guard, opened fire on the approaching security forces, triggering a swift and robust retaliation from the well-trained commandos.

Following the cessation of firing, a thorough search of the encounter site revealed the bodies of four Naxalites. Among the deceased were identified prominent figures: Sannu, a Divisional Committee (DvC) member, and Akka, also a DvC member, both known for their significant roles in orchestrating violence and intimidation in the region.

Sannu alone carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh, while Akka had a bounty of Rs 6 lakh. The identities of the other two Naxalites are yet to be officially confirmed, but authorities suspect them to be lower-ranking but active members.

During the post-encounter sweep, security forces recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including an AK-47 assault rifle, a carbine, and two 12-bore rifles, along with a significant amount of Naxal literature, camping equipment, and other daily use items.

These recoveries further underscore the Naxalites' intent and operational capabilities in the area.

Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal lauded the exemplary bravery and strategic precision of the C-60 commandos. He emphasized that this operation is a testament to the police's unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Naxal-affected districts.

"Our forces are continuously working to root out the Naxal menace and ensure the safety of our citizens. This success will further demoralize the Naxal cadres and strengthen our resolve," SP Neelotpal stated.

The Gadchiroli district, a long-standing hotbed of Naxal activity, has seen intensified anti-Naxal operations in recent years, leading to a steady decline in Naxal influence and recruitment.

This latest encounter reaffirms the relentless efforts of security agencies to bring stability and development to the region, promising a brighter future for its inhabitants.