In a significant operation, 14 Maoists, including a central committee member with a bounty of ₹1 crore, were killed in an encounter at the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. The deceased committee member was reportedly part of the Maoists’ highest decision-making body, making this a major victory for the security forces combating insurgency in the region. The encounter, which unfolded in Gariaband, was a result of joint efforts by the police and paramilitary forces.
This operation underscores the intensifying efforts to dismantle the Maoist network in the region. Authorities hailed the action as a milestone in curbing the influence of left-wing extremism. However, the incident also highlights the deep-seated issues of underdevelopment and alienation in Maoist-affected areas, which often fuel such movements.