RAIPUR: Security forces have dealt a major blow to the Maoist network in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. During an intensive operation, forces compelled 108 Maoist cadres to surrender and seized a large cache of weapons along with 1 kilogram of gold and ₹3.61 crore in cash. Officials said this is believed to be the largest cash seizure from a Maoist network so far.
Security personnel maintained sustained pressure on Maoist hideouts deep inside the forests. As a result of the intensified operations, fear and dissatisfaction reportedly grew among Maoist cadres, prompting many to lay down their arms. Authorities say the action has delivered a significant setback to the Maoist network operating in the Bastar region.
Security agencies believe the operation will weaken both the financial and military strength of the Maoist organisation, which has already been under pressure from ongoing anti-insurgency operations.
108 Maoists Surrender in Bastar
According to official figures, a total of 108 Maoist cadres surrendered across various districts of the Bastar range. These cadres carried a combined reward of Rs 3.95 crore announced on them.
Those who surrendered included members from multiple levels of the Maoist organisation, such as 6 DVCM, 3 CYPCM, 18 PPCM, 23 ACM and 56 party members. Many of these individuals had reportedly been involved in Maoist activities for years and were active in violent operations in the forested regions.
District-wise, 37 Maoists surrendered in Bijapur, 4 in Narayanpur, 16 in Bastar, 3 in Kanker, 18 in Sukma and 30 in Dantewada, indicating that the Maoist organisation’s hold is weakening across the Bastar region.
1 kg Gold and Rs 3.61 Crore Cash Recovered
Security forces also struck a major blow to the financial network of the Maoists by seizing 1 kilogram of gold and Rs 3.61 crore in cash.
Officials stated that such a large cash recovery from Maoist networks had never been reported earlier. The funds were believed to be used by the insurgent group to purchase weapons, pay cadres and sustain its operational network.
Authorities believe that this seizure will significantly weaken the financial backbone of the Maoist organisation.
Largest Weapons Dump Recovered
During the operation, security forces also recovered what officials described as the largest weapons dump in the history of anti-Maoist operations in the region.
The recovered weapons included AK-47 rifles, INSAS rifles, SLR rifles, carbines, LMGs and other firearms, along with BGL launchers and mortars.
In total, 101 weapons were recovered, including modern rifles such as AK-47, INSAS and SLR, along with .303 rifles, 12-bore rifles, LMGs, BGL launchers and mortar systems.
These weapons were recovered from various areas across Bijapur, Bastar, Kanker, Narayanpur, Sukma and Dantewada districts.
Maoist Network Weakening
Officials say the sustained operations by security forces have begun to significantly weaken the Maoist network in the region. Increasing pressure on cadres hiding in forests has led many to abandon the organisation.
Authorities also attribute the weakening of the Maoist movement to aggressive security strategies, rapid infrastructure development such as road construction, and government rehabilitation policies for surrendered cadres.
Target to Eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026
The Government of India has reiterated its commitment to completely eradicate Naxalism from the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a target to eliminate the Maoist insurgency by March 31, 2026.
Officials believe the large-scale surrender and recovery in Bastar is a significant step toward achieving that goal, indicating that the end of Maoist insurgency in the region may not be far away.
