Telangana: 28 Maoists Killed in Encounter with Central Troops

WARANGAL: Heavy gunfire echoed across the Karreguttalu hills early on Saturday as Central security forces pressed a large-scale assault on Maoist strongholds along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border. Preliminary field reports indicate that 28 Maoists, including four women, were killed, though officials had not confirmed the toll yet. Operation Kagar, is an intensive combing and assault drive with more than 5,000 personnel deployed over the past five days. The objective is to neutralise guerrilla units loyal to wanted commander Hidma and dismantle bunkers and ammunition dumps in the Dandakaranya forest.

Three forward base camps have been established inside Karreguttalu, while the Indian Air Force provides continuous aerial cover. Fiercest exchanges have been reported near the Pujari Kanker Forest. Temperatures of 40 °C–44 °C — exacerbated by exposed rocky outcrops — have led to severe dehydration cases among troops. Nearly 21 soldiers are being treated for sunstroke. Around 15 were airlifted to hospitals in Venkatapuram and Bhadrachalam; others moved by road to Mulugu.

Seasonal water scarcity and sparse canopy are compounding difficulties. Officials recall that heavy rains similarly stalled operations in July 2024.

Despite an alleged written appeal from Maoist leaders to suspend the campaign, senior security officials said the offensive would continue “until full control is achieved.”