Senior Maoist Leaders Killed in Chhattisgarh Operation

Fast Summary

• Two senior Maoists, Vijay Reddy and Lokesh Salame, where killed in an anti-Maoist operation carried out by security forces in chhattisgarh’s Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district on Wednesday (August 13, 2025).
• Vijay Reddy was a member of the Dandakaranya special Zonal Committee and carried a reward of ₹25 lakh. He was also wanted in neighboring states like Maharashtra.
• Lokesh Salame was a divisional committee member of Maoists and had a bounty of ₹10 lakh on his head.
• The operation began on Tuesday (August 12, 2025), based on inputs and involved the District Reserve Guard (DRG). The encounter took place along Banda Pahad hill near Madanwada police station area, bordering maharashtra.
• So far this year, security forces have reportedly neutralized 229 Maoists across Chhattisgarh in various operations.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The killing of two high-ranking Maoist leaders highlights the ongoing efforts by Indian security forces to curb insurgent activities in areas affected by left-wing extremism. vijay Reddy’s role as a key figure within the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee underscores the importance of this prosperous operation for reducing influence within core operational zones like Rajnandgaon-Kanker Border division and perhaps beyond.

As Maoism remains concentrated along inter-state borders such as those connecting Chhattisgarh with Maharashtra or Bastar regions, coordinated intelligence-driven strategies appear vital for long-term counterinsurgency success-this operation being an example. However,while tactical victories carry importance,comprehensive socio-economic progress in these areas will remain pivotal to addressing root causes fueling extremism.

For further details: The Hindu