RAIPUR: More than ten Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the southern region of Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Saturday. The encounter is still ongoing, and casualties may rise.Speaking to TOI, Sukma SP Kiran Chavan said the gunfight broke out during an anti-Maoist operation launched by District Reserve Guard (DRG) teams following intelligence about the presence of armed cadres in the forests of the Konta–Kistaram area.

Heavy firing was reported from the forested terrain, and security forces later recovered the bodies of ten Maoists along with automatic weapons, including AK-47s and INSAS rifles.Initial reports indicated that three Maoists belonging to the Konta Area Committee had been killed. However, subsequent updates confirmed the toll had risen to 12, marking one of the biggest recent encounters in the district.Preliminary information suggests that among those killed was Sachin Mangdu, a member of the Konta Area Committee.Police sources also claimed that all Maoist commanders allegedly involved in the killing of Konta ASP Akash Rao Girepunje have now been neutralised during the ongoing operations.SP Chavan is monitoring the operation on the ground. Combing and search operations continue in the surrounding areas to rule out the presence of additional Maoist cadres.A detailed official briefing is expected once the operation concludes.In a separate Bijapur encounterTwo Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the southern region of Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district as an anti-insurgency operation entered its final stages.The exchange of fire broke out after security forces launched a search operation based on intelligence about the presence of armed Maoists in the area. A DRG team was deployed, and intermittent firing has been continuing since around 5 am.Police officers said the bodies of two Maoists were recovered from the encounter site during the search. As the operation is still underway, authorities have withheld details regarding the exact location, the strength of security forces involved, and other sensitive information, citing safety concerns for personnel engaged in the operation.Security forces are continuing combing operations in the surrounding forested areas. Officials said a detailed report will be shared once the operation is formally concluded.