At least 16 Naxalites were killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces during a joint operation conducted by the Odisha and Chhattisgarh police on Monday. This major encounter occurred following specific intelligence inputs about a significant concentration of Naxalite cadres operating in the dense forests along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. The operation was launched on January 19 and marked one of the largest crackdowns in recent months on Naxalite activity in the region.
Among those killed in the encounter was a high-profile Naxalite commander, Jayram alias Chalapathi, who was a key figure in the insurgency. Chalapathi had been on the most-wanted list for years and carried a bounty of ₹1 crore on his head. His death is considered a significant breakthrough in the government’s efforts to dismantle the Naxal network. Security forces recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during the operation, with officials stating that the number of casualties on the Naxalite side might rise as the search operation in the area continues.
This encounter comes a day after another successful operation in Chhattisgarh, where two women Naxalites were neutralized. These back-to-back operations highlight the intensified focus on eliminating insurgent groups in the country’s Red Corridor, a region long plagued by Maoist violence.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the operation as a decisive step toward ending Naxalism in India. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shah called the encounter "another mighty blow to Naxalism" and expressed gratitude to the CRPF, Odisha Police, and Chhattisgarh Police for their coordinated efforts. "With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today," Shah wrote. He also reiterated his earlier statement that Naxalism would be entirely eradicated from India by March 2026.
The government’s ongoing efforts against Naxalite groups have shown measurable progress in recent years. Last month, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma disclosed that at least 220 Naxalites were killed in the state in 2024 alone—matching the total number of insurgents eliminated in the preceding five years combined. In the first few weeks of 2025, joint interstate operations have already resulted in the deaths of 15 Naxalites, underscoring the renewed vigor with which the security forces are targeting insurgent strongholds.
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The killing of Chalapathi and the recovery of significant weaponry are being seen as major successes for the security forces. Chalapathi was reportedly involved in numerous high-profile attacks on security forces and had been instrumental in planning and executing Naxalite operations across multiple states. His death, along with the elimination of 16 other Naxalites, is expected to significantly weaken the group’s operational capabilities in the region.
The Union government’s approach to combating Naxalism has combined military action with developmental initiatives aimed at addressing the socio-economic issues that give rise to such insurgencies. Over the years, various schemes have been launched to improve infrastructure, education, and employment opportunities in regions affected by Maoist violence. These initiatives, coupled with aggressive anti-insurgency operations, have led to a steady decline in Naxalite influence.
However, experts caution that while such military operations deal significant blows to the insurgents, they are not a standalone solution. Addressing the underlying grievances of marginalized communities, such as land disputes, lack of economic opportunities, and social inequities, remains crucial for ensuring long-term peace and stability in the affected regions.
The back-to-back encounters in Odisha and Chhattisgarh also highlight the critical role of intelligence in counterinsurgency operations. According to officials, the success of these operations is a result of improved coordination between central and state forces, as well as the increased use of technology and local intelligence networks to track Naxalite movements. As India moves closer to its goal of becoming a Naxal-free nation, such combined efforts are expected to play an increasingly pivotal role in eliminating the insurgency for good.
