In a major victory for security forces, seven Maoists, including two key leaders, were killed in a fierce encounter earlier on December 1, 2024 in the agency forests of Eturnagaram Mandal, Mulugu district. The operation, carried out by Telangana’s Greyhounds forces, unfolded around 6:20 AM when security personnel patrolling the Chalpak forest area confronted 10-15 armed Maoists.
Mulugu SP Sabarish revealed that the Maoists opened fire upon sighting the security team, prompting the police to retaliate in self-defence after repeated warnings to surrender were ignored. “This operation is a direct response to recent brutalities by the Maoists,” he said, referring to the killing of two villagers in Vajedu last week. Seven Maoists were killed on the spot, while others fled into the forest. Combing operations are underway to track down the remaining insurgents.
Recovered from the site were two AK-47 rifles, a .303 rifle, INSAS weapons, and explosives. Police also seized revolutionary literature and kit bags used by the Maoists.
Know the key Maoists leaders who were killed in the encounter
Among the slain Maoists were Illendu-Narsampet Area Secretary Kursam Mangu Bhadru alias Papanna and Eturnagaram-Mahadevpur DVC Secretary Eegolapu Mallayya alias Madhu. Bhadru and Madhu were influential figures, known for orchestrating attacks and mobilising cadres. Other members killed included Mussaki Deval alias Karunakar, Mussaki Jamuna, Jaisingh, Kishore, and Kamesh, with six of the deceased hailing from Chhattisgarh.
The Maoists’ reign of terror was evident in their November 22 attack in Vajedu, where two villagers were brutally stabbed to death under the pretext of being police informers. The killings were part of their strategy to instill fear and retain dominance in the region. A letter released by the Maoists claimed the victims ignored warnings, reflecting the insurgents’ ruthless approach.
With the commencement of People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Week from Monday, the Maoist has issued calls for intensified guerrilla warfare, further heightening tensions in the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border region. Intelligence agencies have flagged the possibility of Maoist attacks during this period, turning the border areas into a conflict zone.
The union government has ramped up its efforts to eliminate the Maoist threat, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah setting a deadline of March 31, 2026, to end Maoist insurgency in the country. Recent operations, such as the Sukma encounter on November 22 where 10 Maoists were killed, underscore this resolve.
The encounter in Mulugu serves as a significant victory in the ongoing battle against Maoists. Mulugu district, positioned along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border, has long served as a key zone for Maoist activities due to its dense forests and proximity to Chhattisgarh, a stronghold of Maoists extremism. This strategic location has made Mulugu a flashpoint for clashes between security forces and Maoists, with the area being closely monitored by law enforcement agencies. Security forces remain on high alert, combing through the dense forests to ensure the region’s safety and stability.
