New Delhi: Days after security forces neutralised general secretary of CPI (Maoist) Nambala Kesav Rao alias Basavaraju in Abujhmad of Narayanpur, the outlawed group in a press note has confessed about killing of 28 of its members including its top commander.
In a press note issued on May 25, spokesperson of the Dandakranya special zonal committee (DKSZC) Vikalpa has admitted about the neutralisation of Basavaraju along 27 other Maoists in the gunfight that took place in Abujhmad on May 21.
According to the letter, the encounter which lasted for over two days also led to neutralisation of several top cadres including the likes of Nageshwar Rao alias Madhu alias Jung Naveen and others.
The letter further read that many of its members deployed in the security of Basavaraju surrendered before the authorities in the past six month. It further noted that six members of the group surrendered before the security officials in the last one and half months alone, providing crucial intelligence about Basavaraju to the security forces.
After the encounter of India’s biggest Maoist leader Basavaraju in Narayanpur, Naxalites have issued a press statement. Naxalites have accepted that a total of 28 of their comrades were killed. Police had found 27 bodies, Naxalites had taken away the body of one Naxalite with… pic.twitter.com/uqToaFsihh
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 26, 2025
During the encounter, 7 members of the unit managed to break the cordoned off area, escaping to a safer location. The PLGA (armed unit of the group) cadres later recovered the body of Nilesh, read the letter while noting that the neutralisation of Basavaraju is a major success for the security forces.
Mounting pressure on Maoists
The group in the letter has admitted that the security of Basavaraju was downgraded from 60 to 35 members to ease the mobility of the unit in adverse situation. It further noted that Basavaraju was well aware and anticipating a major operation of security personnel in the Maad region.
It is being widely speculated that Maoists were compelled to reduce the number of members deployed in security of top leaders, largely to avoid being caught during movement of unit from one place to the other.
The surrender of hardcore cadres deployed in security of top leaders further indicates about the weakening grip of the outfit on the members of its elite units.
Drought of second-rung leadership
Though the Maoists in the letter have claimed that the group is intact under the leadership of its central committee members, it is being assumed that the terror group is facing a serious crunch of leadership.
Reports suggest that the group is facing a drought of second-rung leadership especially after the arrests, demise and encounter of several of its top leaders in recent years.
Desperate attempts for ceasefire
The letter further noted about the willingness shown by the banned group for peace talks and halt on the ongoing anti-Maoist operations in Bastar. It noted that Basavaraju himself had suggested proceeding with the unilateral ceasefire announced recently by the group.
It is noteworthy that the Maoists through press notes released in recent times have appealed for a halt on the ongoing operation in areas marred by red terror.
The banned group in the release though had put riders such as immediate halt on the ongoing operations alongside removal of security camps erected by security forces in remote areas.
The state government on the other hand however had clarified that while the government is more than willing to engage with any of the group surrendering arms and remained committed to rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists, it will not entertain any riders.
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