Raipur/Gariaband: A major encounter is underway in the dense forests of Mainpur, Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh. Security forces including STF, E-30 unit and CRPF’s elite Cobra team have launched an intense operation against Naxalites. So far, 10 Naxalites have been killed, and heavy exchange of fire is still continuing.
According to police sources, among those killed is Manoj alias Modem Balkrishna, a top Naxal Central Committee (CC) member carrying a bounty of ₹1 crore. Another prominent Naxal, Pramod, who had a reward of ₹25 lakh, has also been neutralized. Officials confirmed that the encounter is still active with sporadic firing from both sides.
Heavy recovery of weapons from the spot
Security forces have seized 10 weapons, including 7 automatic rifles, along with a huge cache of Naxal literature and materials. The operation is being carried out jointly by STF, Cobra commandos, and Gariaband’s special unit E-30.
Top police officials confirm encounter
Raipur division IG Amresh Mishra and Gariaband SP Nikhil Rakhecha have confirmed the ongoing gun battle. They said that the joint action was based on specific intelligence inputs about Naxal presence in the Mainpur forests.
Manoj alias Balkrishna – the most wanted Naxal leader
Sources revealed that Manoj, also known as Modem Balkrishna or Bhaskar, was one of the most wanted Naxal leaders in the country. He was serving as the Secretary of Odisha State Committee and was also a key member of the Central Committee (CC), OSC and CRB. His killing is being considered a major success for the security forces in the ongoing anti-Naxal operations.
This high-intensity encounter in Gariaband, Chhattisgarh is being closely monitored as forces continue their combing operation in the area.
