Elite forces today neutralized two top Maoist commanders in a big operation deep in Chhattisgarh’s remote forests. This strong action hits the rebel group hard, a group that has caused trouble and fighting across the region for many years. The quick strike shows how security forces keep working to bring peace and safety to these areas, marking a major step in the long fight against the rebels.
Operation Details
Security forces in Chhattisgarh successfully completed a major operation on Wednesday, August 13, neutralizing two essential Maoist commanders. The operation took place in the forested Banda Pahad region, near Karekatta village, close to the Kanker border in the Manpur-Mohla-Ambagarh Chowki district. The commanders killed were identified as Vijay Reddy, aged 55. Lokesh Salame, aged 40. The intense gunfight began after a combined team of District Police, District Reserve Guard (DRG). Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) launched a search operation. This action followed specific intelligence insights about the presence of high-ranking Maoist members in the area. At around 5 PM on Wednesday, as security forces surrounded the forest zone, the Maoists opened fire. Security forces quickly responded, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire. After the exchange ended, the bodies of both Reddy and Salame were recovered. Along with their bodies, an INSAS rifle, a. 303 rifle. other items used by the Maoists were found at the site. Search operations are still continuing in the thick forest area to find any other rebels who might have escaped or been hurt.
Superintendent of Police Yashpal Singh stated, “On being surrounded, Maoists opened fire. Security forces retaliated. after an intense exchange, both leaders were neutralised.” He also mentioned, “The operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of high-ranking Maoist cadres in the area.”
Key Figures Identified
The two Maoist commanders neutralized in the operation were significant figures within the Maoist network. Vijay Reddy, 55, originally from Andhra Pradesh, was a key member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC). He had a reward of 25 lakh rupees on his head. Reddy had been active in the Rajnandgaon-Kanker border division for 12 to 14 years, providing guidance and command to other Maoist members. Lokesh Salame, 40, was from the Rajnandgaon district and served as a divisional committee head. A reward of 10 lakh rupees was offered for his capture. Salame had been active since 2008. Reports suggest he had previously surrendered in Gadchiroli and was reportedly living a normal life with his family in Kanker. continued to operate for the Kotri area committee based on insights from surrendered Maoist members. Together, these two commanders had a combined reward of 35 lakh rupees. Both Vijay Reddy and Lokesh Salame were central to Maoist operations across Rajnandgaon, Kanker. nearby districts. They were responsible for planning and carrying out many attacks over the years, causing fear in villages located in Manpur, Madanwada. Sitagaon police station areas.
Understanding the Area
The Banda Pahad region, where the operation took place, has long been a major stronghold for Maoist activities. This dense forest area was reportedly used by Company No. 5 of the CPI (Maoist) for training new members and as a safe hiding place for senior commanders. Officials revealed that this particular region, extending from Bandapahad to Sitagaon, was essentially a free zone for Maoists, where they conducted training and stored weapons. Its location, bordering Kanker, allowed top-ranking Maoists to control the area for a long time. The encounter site is about 20 kilometers from Manpur headquarters and 45 kilometers from Mohla district headquarters. The Madanwada forests, where this event occurred, have seen gunfire before. This area is also close to where a major attack happened on July 29, 2009, resulting in the death of former Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar Chaubey and 28 other police officers. Security officials noted that the operation was carried out in very difficult weather conditions, with heavy rains falling on the forested hills. Despite the challenging terrain and monsoon weather, forces are continuing to move deeper into areas controlled by Maoists.
Broader Efforts Against Extremism
This operation is part of an ongoing and stepped-up effort by Chhattisgarh’s security forces against left-wing extremism. The state has seen a significant push to dismantle remaining insurgent networks and bring peace back to the region. The numbers show the scale of these efforts. So far in 2025, security forces have neutralized a total of 229 Maoists across Chhattisgarh. A large portion of these operations have occurred in the Bastar division, where 208 Maoists have been neutralized this year alone.
| Maoists Neutralized in Chhattisgarh (2025) | Number |
| Total in Chhattisgarh | 229 |
| In Bastar Division | 208 |
The District Reserve Guard (DRG), a special jungle warfare unit of the Chhattisgarh Police, has played a key role in these successes. Established in 2015, the DRG is made up of local tribal youth, surrendered Maoist members. fighters from Bastar, giving them deep knowledge of the land and guerrilla tactics. This local connection and understanding of the Maoist movement provide them a significant advantage.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, after a previous major operation in May 2025, praised the DRG, saying, “This time it has become clear that red terror will end, development will reach every village. the Constitution will be implemented in every corner of Bastar-all because of DRG.”
The increased presence and effective operations by security forces aim to weaken the Maoist groups and ensure that development and stability can reach all parts of the state. The consistent pressure from security forces indicates a clear resolve to end the long-standing issue of extremism in the region. 
