Anti-Maoist Ops: Odisha Maoist carrying Rs 1 crore bounty killed; mighty blow to Naxalism, says Amit Shah

A Maoist from Odisha carrying a Rs 1 crore bounty was among 16 killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, officials said on Tuesday.

The deceased ultra has been identified as Jayram alias Chalapathi. He was a member of the Maoists' Central Committee and was killed in the exchange of fire that took place late Monday night and early Tuesday in a forest along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border.

So far 16 bodies of naxals have been recovered. AK 47, SLR, INSAS and other automatic weapons have been recovered. Search operation is ongoing, informed IG Raipur Zone Amresh Mishra.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the anit-Maoist operation and stated that it was another mighty blow to Naxalism.

“Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SoG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralised 14 Naxalites in a joint operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today.” tweeted Shah.

Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Arun Sao said, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that we will make the nation Naxal-free by 31st March 2026. Our security forces are also bravely working in this direction. They are succeeding constantly. I extend my greetings to the security forces for their achievement in Gariaband. Ending Naxalism is essential for the development of the state.”