Top Naxal Commander Among 18 Killed In Encounter With Security Forces In Chhattisgarh's Kanker

In a major development, a top Naxal commander, Shankar Rao, is among 18 Naxalites killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. The encounter broke out between the police and the Naxals in the Maad area past 1:30 PM days ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

A joint team of Border Security Force (BSF) and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) was conducting an anti-Naxalite operation when they came into contact with the armed Naxal group.

"At least 18 Naxalites killed in encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district," PTI quoted BSF as saying.

Superintendent of Police Kalyan Ellisela reported the recovery of a cache of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles. He added that there is a strong possibility that the number of deaths would increase.

According to reports, three jawans were also injured during the exchange of fire. The encounter is currently underway in the forest area of the Chhotebethiya police station limits, said Kanker Superintendent of Police, IK Elesela.

Who was Shankar Rao?

Shankar Rao, a top Naxal leader, who had a bounty of Rs 25 lakh, has been killed in an encounter with police in Chhattisgarh.

Naxalite Insurgency in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh has been a hotbed of Naxalite activity for decades. Naxalites, also known as Maoists, are a communist revolutionary movement that has been fighting the Indian government for decades, demanding land reforms and greater rights for indigenous communities. This encounter is likely to further intensify efforts by security forces to curb Naxalite activities in the region.