2 top naxals killed in encounter; AK-47 & other firearms seized

In a significant blow to Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, two high-ranking Maoist commanders were gunned down by security forces in a fierce encounter in Bastar's dense forest region. The operation, carried out on April 15, took place in the Kilam-Bargum forest area, located near the inter-district border of Kondagaon and Narayanpur.

The deceased have been identified as DVCM Haldar and ACM Rame, both prominent members of the East Bastar Division of the banned CPI (Maoist). The duo had been active in the region for several years and were instrumental in coordinating ambushes, recruitment, and extortion activities.

The operation was launched following credible intelligence inputs about the presence of Naxal elements in the area. A joint team comprising personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the elite Bastar Fighters mobilized swiftly and engaged the insurgents in a heavy exchange of gunfire.

After the gun battle ended, security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle, several other firearms, explosives, and incriminating Naxal literature and materials from the encounter site. The swift and effective response by the forces helped avert potential attacks on security infrastructure or civilians.

Both Haldar and Rame carried a cumulative bounty of ₹13 lakh — ₹8 lakh on Haldar and ₹5 lakh on Rame. Their elimination is seen as a major tactical success by law enforcement agencies working to weaken Maoist influence in the region.

The encounter comes just three days after a similar operation in Bijapur district, where two other Naxals were neutralized. With security forces intensifying their counterinsurgency operations, combing and search efforts continue in and around the forest belt to locate any remaining Naxal presence.