16 Maoists killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma; 2 jawans injured

An confrontation with security forces in the forests of the Upampalli Kerlapal area along the Sukma-Dantewada boundary resulted in the deaths of sixteen Maoists and the injuries of two Jawans. According to an official, gunfire started early in the morning in a forest under the Kerlapal police station, where a combined security force team was conducting an anti-Naxalite operation.

Members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and District Reserve Guard (DRG) participated in the operation, which was started on Friday night in response to information on Maoist activity in the Kerlapal region. The officer said, "The operation is still ongoing, and 16 Naxalites' bodies have been recovered from the site of the encounter so far."

"During the operation, two security personnel suffered minor injuries," the spokesman continued. Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged armed individuals to choose peace and development over violence, stating that the government is committed to eliminating Naxalism by March 2026.