Security forces killed 14 Maoists, including senior CPI (Maoist) leader Sachin Mangdu, during coordinated encounters in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region.
The operation marked the first major anti-Naxal strike of 2026.
Joint teams of the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and CoBRA commandos launched the offensive in Sukma and Bijapur districts after receiving specific intelligence. The forces engaged Maoist cadres in forested zones, recovering weapons such as AK-47 rifles, Insas rifles, and explosives.
Sachin Mangdu, a divisional committee member with an ₹8 lakh bounty, fell during the encounter. Authorities confirmed his identity after recovering his body. Earlier reports speculated he had escaped, but police clarified his death late Friday.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the operation as a decisive strike against the Maoist leadership. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to achieving a Naxal-free Chhattisgarh by March 2026, aligning with the Centre’s nationwide deadline.
The Bastar division has witnessed intensified operations since 2025, with over 200 Maoists eliminated. Security forces continue targeting leadership networks and supply chains to weaken insurgent strength.
Human rights groups demanded transparent investigations into the encounters, while tribal activists voiced concerns about militarised actions in indigenous areas. Police urged remaining Maoist cadres to surrender under the rehabilitation policy, promising reintegration into mainstream society.
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