Security forces in Chhattisgarh scored a big win against Maoists today, taking out a top commander in a fierce gunfight deep in the forests. Shravan Madkam, who went by aliases like Vishwanath and Budhram Punem, died during the clash in the Tiarpani forests of Kanker district.
The action kicked off on Sunday, with teams from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Border Security Force (BSF) leading the charge. Kanker Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elisela confirmed Shravan’s death. He headed the Sitanadi-Ravas Coordination Area Committee, making him a key player in the Maoist network.
Two other rebels also fell in the fight: Rajesh, also known as Rakesh Hemla, who commanded the Nagari Area Committee and Gobra LOS, and Basanti Kunjam, alias Hidmen PM, from the Mainpur-Nuapada Coordination Protection Team.
The showdown happened in rugged, hilly terrain near Chhindkharak village, under the Kanker police station limits and right by the Dhamtari-Odisha border. After the gunfire stopped, search teams found the bodies of two men and one woman, plus a haul of weapons. That included an SLR rifle, a .303 rifle, a 12-bore rifle, and other Maoist gear.
These three Maoists had a total bounty of Rs 14 lakh on their heads. Shravan alone was worth Rs 8 lakh, Rajesh Rs 5 lakh, and Basanti Rs 1 lakh.
Elisela explained that the joint operation came from solid intelligence tips about Maoist movements in Kanker’s central forests. The encounter isn’t over yet—security teams keep sweeping the thick woods for any remaining threats.
This hit packs a punch for Maoist operations in the area. Shravan’s loss weakens the Sitanadi Area Committee and could break up coordination between groups along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. Officials have ramped up security in nearby districts and sent in more reinforcements to clear the zone completely.
Police leaders stress their ongoing push to wipe out Maoist influence and bring lasting peace to these troubled regions.
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