Two Maoists killed in Sukma; arms seized

Sukma

In a significant success in the fight against Maoists, security forces killed two senior Maoist leaders in a gunbattle in Dunampara Pusgunna forest, Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. The deceased were identified as Muchaki Baman, a commander with a ₹5 lakh bounty, and senior cadre Anita Avalam. Both were key members of the banned CPI-Maoist group.

The joint team of the District Reserve Guard and local police acted on intelligence about Maoist activity in the area. The encounter began around 2 p.m. and lasted for several hours. Along with the bodies, forces seized weapons including an INSAS rifle, explosives, gelatin sticks, detonators, ammunition, and other Maoist materials.

Inspector General Sundarraj said this operation is part of ongoing efforts under the Sankalp: Naxal Mukt Bastar Mission. Since January 2024, security forces have eliminated 411 Maoists in the region. He noted that Maoist influence is declining, and the area is slowly moving toward peace and development.