A violent confrontation between security forces and Maoist rebels in Chhattisgarh has claimed the lives of 15 people, including three senior police officers, officials have confirmed. The clash occurred on Wednesday, 3 December, during a forest operation following intelligence reports, according to NDTV, which cited police sources.
Sundarraj Patilllingam, Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range, stated that the joint operation involved units from Dantewada and Bijapur’s District Reserve Guard (DRG), the State Special Task Force, and the CoBRA commando unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The mission was launched after intelligence indicated significant activity by the armed wing of the proscribed CPI (Maoist), the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA).
At the scene, authorities recovered the bodies of 12 Maoists, along with SLR and INSAS rifles, other firearms, and a substantial cache of explosives, the IGP reported. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Maoist insurgents, despite their earlier declaration of a suspension of armed rebellion.
With this latest episode, the death toll from Maoist–security force clashes in Chhattisgarh in 2025 has reached 275. Among the fatalities are several high-ranking Maoist leaders, including General Secretary Nambala Keshav Rao (Basavaraju/Gaganna), Politburo member Ramchandra Reddy (Chalapathi) and his spouse Ravi Venkata Lakshmi Chaitanya (Aruna), Central Committee member Narsinghachalam (Sudhakar), and PLGA commander Madhavi Hidma.
The central government has reiterated its commitment to eliminating the Maoist insurgency entirely by March next year, launching a full-scale security and intelligence campaign aimed at dismantling the group’s operational capabilities. Officials emphasised that operations would continue relentlessly, despite previous declarations by the rebels of a temporary suspension of hostilities.
Key Details of Chhattisgarh Clash
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | 3 December 2025 |
| Location | Forest areas, Chhattisgarh |
| Security Forces Involved | Dantewada & Bijapur DRG, State Special Task Force, CoBRA unit of CRPF |
| Fatalities | 15 total (3 senior police officers, 12 Maoists) |
| Weapons Recovered | SLR and INSAS rifles, additional firearms, explosives |
| Notable Maoist Leaders Killed | Basavaraju (Gen Sec), Chalapathi (Politburo), Aruna, Sudhakar, Madhavi Hidma |
| 2025 Maoist-Security Death Toll | 275 |
The latest incident highlights the ongoing intensity of Maoist insurgency in central India and the sustained efforts by security forces to neutralise the threat, restore law and order, and protect civilians in affected regions.