18 Naxals killed in Chhattisgarh encounters

Eleven women were among 18 Maoists killed in a twin offensive against Left-wing extremism by security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Saturday, according to state police.

They included Kudhdhami Jagdish, a special zone committee member who carried a reward of ₹25 lakh on his head, the police said. Two security personnel sustained minor injuries in the action.

Bastar zone inspector general of police Sundarraj P said the Maoists fired on security forces who were carrying out an area domination exercise. This led the security forces to fire in retaliation, resulting in the death of the extremists.


Arms and ammunition including AK-47s, SLRs, INSAS rifles and rocket launchers were recovered from the extremists, police said.

"Another strike on Naxalism," union home minister Amit Shah wrote on X. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, we are resolved to eradicate Naxalism before the 31st of March 2026."

He added: "My appeal to those with arms is that weapons and violence cannot bring change; only peace and development can."

More than 100 Maoists have been killed in encounters with security forces in the first three months of this year. As many as 38 districts in nine states, including Chhattisgarh, are affected by Left-wing extremism.

Earlier this month, 30 extremists including 15 women, carrying a reward of ₹1.03 crore, were killed in two separate encounters. The latest encounter comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit to Chhattisgarh on March 30.

15 Naxalites surrender in Dantewada

In a related development, 15 Naxalites surrendered in Dantewada district on Saturday, a police official said.

Of these, Sikka alias Bheema Mandavi was the 'Jantana Sarkar' head under Potali RPC of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist), he said.

"The other 14 are lower rung ultras. They laid down arms citing disappointment with the hollow and inhuman Maoist ideology," the official said.

As per police, 927 Naxalites, including 221 carrying cash rewards on their heads, have joined the mainstream in Dantewada district since the 'Lon Varratu' (return to your home/village) campaign was launched in June 2020.

(With agency inputs)