In what has been dubbed India’s largest anti-Maoist operation, security forces eliminated 31 Maoists and reclaimed Karregutta Hill, a stronghold of insurgents on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. The 21-day operation, carried out by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Chhattisgarh Police’s Special Task Force, and the District Reserve Guard, also resulted in the recovery of 450 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 40 weapons, large quantities of ammunition, and dismantling of multiple arms manufacturing units.
From Red Terror to National Pride
Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the operation as a major milestone in the government’s campaign to eliminate Maoism by March 2026. “The hill, once ruled by red terror, now proudly waves the tricolour,” Shah said. “This largest operation was completed by our security forces in just 21 days… and I am immensely delighted there was not a single casualty among forces in this operation.”
Describing the hill as the “unified headquarters” of major Maoist factions, Shah said it was where attack strategies were formed, weapons were developed, and cadres trained.
Massive Seizure of Explosives and Weaponry
Sources revealed that in addition to the Maoists killed, forces recovered detonators, explosive devices, 12,000 kg of logistical materials including medicines and electrical equipment, and dismantled four makeshift factories producing weapons, motors, and cutting tools.
CRPF chief General GP Singh said the Maoists killed had a collective bounty of ₹1.72 crore. He described the seizure of Karregutta as “the beginning of the end” for Maoism in the region. “What we set out to do… we have achieved more than that,” Singh said. “We are confident and happy — this is the beginning of the end, and we will achieve the target of eliminating Maoism by March 31, 2026.”
So far, 28 of the 31 Maoists killed have been identified, with many suspected to be part of the senior leadership.
Steep Decline in Maoist Presence Across India
Singh highlighted a significant decline in Maoist-affected districts — down from 35 in 2024 to just six now. He noted that nearly 1,000 Maoists surrendered last year, with 718 already doing so in 2025.
Last month, Amit Shah had urged Maoists to lay down arms and join the mainstream, pointing to numerous welfare schemes run by both the Centre and BJP-led state governments.
Operation Ground Zero
The operation to reclaim the infamous Karregutta Hill — dubbed the “Black Hill” — began on April 22. At 5,000 feet tall, the hill had long served as an impenetrable Maoist bastion, suspected to house Madavi Hidma, one of the most feared Maoist leaders, known for orchestrating several deadly attacks including those in Dantewada (2010) and Sukma (2017). It remains unclear whether Hidma was among those killed or captured.
Two of the hill’s three ridges fell quickly to advancing troops. However, Karregutta itself posed greater resistance until forces, airdropped in strategic positions, navigated hidden IEDs and rugged terrain to secure the site.
“The nation is proud of you,” Shah told the security forces, commending their bravery and strategic precision.
Chhattisgarh CM Praises Forces’ Bravery
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai also saluted the courage of the personnel. “This is the biggest anti-Maoist op in the country. I salute the courage of our forces, operating in scorching heat, rugged terrain, without shade or water,” he said.
With Karregutta reclaimed and insurgent leadership dealt a heavy blow, India’s fight against left-wing extremism has crossed a crucial milestone in its final push to eradicate the Maoist threat.
