28 Maoists Killed in Encounter at Karreguttalu Along Telangana-Chhattisgarh Border

Warangal: In a major offensive deep inside the dense forests of the Telangana and Chhattisgarh border, heavy gunfire echoed through the hills of Karreguttalu as security forces launched a high-intensity operation targeting Maoists. The encounter, which began in the early hours of Saturday, has claimed the lives of 28 Maoists, according to preliminary reports. (but the officials are yet to confirm the encounter).

The clash took place as part of Operation Kagar, a large-scale combing and assault mission involving over 5,000 central security personnel. Troops have surrounded the Karregutta region for the past five days tightening control over the Maoist stronghold in the Dandakaranya forest.

Among the deceased, four women Maoists have been identified. All the killed rebels are believed to be members of a guerrilla unit led by top Maoist commander Hidma, a most-wanted figure in multiple states.

Security forces have seized several Maoist bunkers and ammunition dumps while pushing forward into the forest. Three base camps have been established in Karregutta to support continued operations.

The Indian Air Force has increased aerial support indicating that the operation is nearing its final stage. Gun battles have raged for the past two days especially in the Pujari Kanker Forest area intensifying the conflict.

Meanwhile, extreme summer heat is emerging as a major obstacle for security forces to continue operation Kagar. With temperatures soaring between 40°C and 44°C in the Mulugu region and rising further due to rocky terrain over 21 soldiers have suffered from dehydration and sunstroke during the combing operations in Karregutta.

As many as 15 members were airlifted to government hospitals in Venkatapuram and Bhadrachalam while others were taken by road to Mulugu district headquarters for treatment.

Experts warn that the region’s rocky hills could raise the effective temperature by another 2–3 degrees. Forests have thinned due to seasonal changes and shortage of drinking water has worsened conditions for personnel on the ground.

This isn't the first time weather has disrupted operations in Karreguttalu. Last July, similar combing operation were derailed by extreme rain and terrain challenges forcing jawans to trek nearly 60 km over four days with many sustaining severe foot injuries due to leech bites and exhaustion.

Security officials now face the dual challenge of managing both militant threats and harsh environmental conditions as the operation presses forward.

Despite appeals from Maoist party leaders to halt the operation allegedly made through a written plea, the centre has chosen to push forward. Senior officials stated that the mission will continue until full control is established over the region.