Date: May 21, 2025
In a significant success for India's internal security forces, top Naxal leader Basavaraju, also known as Mallojula Koteswara Rao, was killed along with 26 other Maoists in a high-intensity anti-Naxal operation conducted in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the development as a “major breakthrough” in the ongoing fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in the country.
Major Blow to Naxalite Insurgency
The meticulously planned joint operation was executed by personnel from the CRPF's elite CoBRA unit, Chhattisgarh Police, and other security forces. The encounter took place in the Abujhmad region of Narayanpur district, a known Maoist stronghold and one of the toughest terrains for security forces to operate in.
Sources confirmed that Basavaraju, who carried a bounty of over ₹2 crore and served as the Chief of the CPI (Maoist)’s Central Committee, was among those neutralized. His death marks a turning point in the government’s counter-insurgency operations, as he was considered the brain behind many deadly ambushes on security forces over the past two decades.
Amit Shah Praises Forces, Reaffirms Government’s Commitment
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media and later addressed the media, stating,
“This is a major breakthrough in our mission to eradicate Naxalism. I commend the brave security personnel who carried out this operation with exceptional courage. Our government remains committed to completely dismantling the Maoist network and restoring peace and development in affected areas.”
Shah further emphasized that the killing of such a high-ranking Maoist commander would weaken the operational structure and morale of the extremist group.
What This Means for India’s Anti-Naxal Strategy
The elimination of Basavaraju comes at a time when the government has intensified its push to end the decades-old insurgency that has gripped large swathes of central and eastern India. Over the past few years, the Ministry of Home Affairs has recalibrated its approach, combining tactical operations with extensive development programs in affected regions.
Security analysts view this as a critical step toward breaking the leadership chain of the Maoist insurgency. Basavaraju was a key strategist and played a central role in recruiting, training, and directing operations across multiple states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Odisha.
Public and Political Reactions
The news has been met with widespread approval across political parties and citizens alike. BJP leaders lauded the efforts of the forces, while opposition parties also acknowledged the success, urging the government to continue development initiatives alongside military operations.
Locals in many affected districts have reportedly expressed relief and hope for lasting peace, with many coming forward to assist security personnel in flushing out remaining Maoist hideouts.
Conclusion
The killing of Basavaraju signifies a monumental achievement for Indian security forces and marks a decisive moment in the battle against Naxalism. As India moves closer to neutralizing extremist threats, this development serves as both a morale booster and a clear message to insurgent groups operating against the nation’s interests.
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