Raipur, June 20: A fierce confrontation between security personnel and Maoist insurgents is currently unfolding in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh, resulting in the death of a female Maoist operative, with indications of additional casualties.

The firefight began early Friday morning in the dense forests situated between the villages of Amatola and Kalpar, within the jurisdiction of the Chhotebethiya police station.

Authorities reported that the District Reserve Guard initiated the operation following reliable intelligence.

"Upon receiving intelligence regarding Maoist activity, a combined team from the DRG (District Reserve Guard) and the BSF (Border Security Force) commenced a search operation. An encounter ensued between the joint forces and the Maoists. The body of a female Maoist in uniform, along with weapons and other materials, was recovered during the clash. The exchange of gunfire persists as the search operation continues," stated Additional Superintendent of Police Dinesh Sinha.

The officer noted that more information would be disclosed once the operation concludes and the forces return from the field.

This operation is taking place in an area adjacent to the Maad region, a notorious stronghold for Maoists, who have historically utilized the challenging terrain to create a logistical network. This region has seen ongoing violence, with numerous confrontations between law enforcement and extremist groups over the years. The current operation is part of a broader security initiative aimed at eradicating Maoist influence in the Bastar division.

Police officials indicated that significant damage has been inflicted on the insurgent ranks in the Chhotebethiya area, marking it as a pivotal front in the overarching anti-Maoist campaign.

This latest operation follows a significant tactical victory along the Chhattisgarh-Andhra Pradesh border, where the Greyhounds Force eliminated three high-ranking Maoist operatives in Maredpalli.

Among the deceased was Central Committee member Gajarla Ravi, who had a bounty of Rs 40 lakh, and Special Zonal Committee member Aruna, the spouse of Maoist leader Chalpati, who was also wanted with a Rs 20 lakh reward.

SP Amit Bardar from Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitaram district confirmed their deaths, emphasizing the mounting pressure on the leadership of the group.

Initial reports indicated that a female Maoist was among those killed on Friday, although official confirmation is still awaited.

As the operation continues, security forces remain active in the forest, executing their tactical sweep and encircling suspected insurgents.

These ongoing encounters highlight the renewed aggressive stance taken by security agencies against the CPI (Maoist), focusing on both grassroots operatives and higher-ranking leaders.