On May 22, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised security forces for killing 27 Maoists, including top CPI (Maoist) leader Basavaraju, in a major anti-Naxal operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh. The operation, hailed as a landmark in India’s fight against left-wing extremism, is part of the government’s push to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026.

BulletsIn

• 27 Maoists killed in anti-Naxal operation in Abujhmad forests, Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh
• Among them: Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, General Secretary of CPI (Maoist)
• PM Modi praised security forces, reaffirmed commitment to eradicate Maoism
• Home Minister Amit Shah called it a “landmark achievement” in Naxal fight
• First time a General Secretary-rank Maoist neutralised in three decades
• Operation Black Forest also led to 54 arrests, 84 surrenders across 3 states
• Joint DRG teams from 4 districts conducted coordinated assault based on intel
• One jawan martyred, several injured but stable; heavy cache of arms recovered
• Basavaraju was 70, Andhra native, key strategist, and top Maoist commander
• Combing ops continue in dense forest to flush out remaining Maoists