A day after one of the most significant anti-Naxal operations in recent years, the bodies of 27 Maoists, including Central Committee member and military strategist Basavaraju, were airlifted to Narayanpur on Thursday. A ceremonial salute was accorded to both jawans who were martyred in the encounter-Khotluram Koram of Narayanpur and Ramesh Hemla of Bijapur-marking the solemn aftermath of a fierce multi-phase conflict in the dense Abujhmad forests. The operation, which began three days ago as part of a prolonged jungle domination exercise, culminated on May 21 with a decisive armed confrontation near the Bhattbeda-Orcha sector of Narayanpur district.

 

According to police, the fallen Maoists were part of a larger unit stationed deep inside the inaccessible hilly terrain of Abujhmad, long considered a Maoist sanctuary. The slain insurgents included Basavaraju-one of the top-most figures in the CPI (Maoist) military hierarchy-whose strategic operations stretched from weaponisation to mobilisation of rural militias. Security sources confirmed that his neutralisation has left a severe leadership void within the Maoist ranks across central India. Inspector General of Police Bastar Range, P Sundarraj, who was present at the ground where the bodies were brought in for postmortem, noted: “The DRG team fought bravely in the most challenging terrain. Their courage has dismantled a significant part of the Maoist infrastructure. This is a major blow to the outlaws.” The weapons haul from the site has stunned security observers. Among the arms Narayanpur recovered are AK-47 assault rifles, INSAS carbines, BGLs (barrel grenade launchers), SLRs, .303 rifles, and a large cache of magazines and ammunition. Additionally, over two dozen mortar shells and high-explosive grenades were seized, indicating the Maoists’ continued emphasis on heavy firepower and their preparation for sustained attacks.

 

As per official details, the funeral rites of the two martyred troopers will be held with full state honours. A ceremonial salute was conducted today at the Reserve Police Line in Narayanpur at 12 noon, attended by senior officers and colleagues who honoured the fallen heroes. Director General of Police Arun Deo Gautam also paid tribute to the jawans who sacrificed their lives on the line of duty.