A top woman Naxal leader, carrying a bounty of ₹25 lakh, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district on Monday. The security personnel also recovered an INSAS rifle, ammunition, and other supplies from the encounter site, officials said.
The operation was conducted by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) in the border villages of Geedam police station (Dantewada) and Bhairamgarh police station (Bijapur), including Nelgoda, Akeli, and Belnar. The encounter began around 9 a.m., leading to the killing of the Naxalite, identified as Renuka alias Banu alias Chaite alias Saraswati, a resident of Kadvendi in Warangal district.
This development comes just days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that 50 Naxalites had surrendered in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. He assured that those who abandon violence would be rehabilitated and integrated into society.
“It is a matter of great joy that 50 Naxalites in Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) surrendered, abandoning the path of violence. I welcome those who leave violence and weapons and join the mainstream of development. Modi ji’s policy is clear that any Naxalite who surrenders will be rehabilitated and connected to the mainstream,” Shah posted on X.
He also urged more Naxalites to surrender, reiterating the government’s commitment to eliminating Naxalism by March 2026.
“I once again appeal to the rest of the people to give up arms and join the mainstream. After March 31, 2026, Naxalism will become history in the country—this is our resolution,” he added.
In recent days, several Naxal surrenders have been recorded. On Saturday, 15 Naxalites surrendered before Dantewada police, with authorities confirming they would receive benefits under the state’s rehabilitation policy. Additionally, nine Naxalites surrendered in Sukma last Wednesday in the presence of Superintendent of Police Kiran Gangaram Chavan.
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated security forces for their efforts in neutralizing 16 Naxalites and recovering a significant cache of arms and ammunition in a major encounter in Sukma’s Kerlapal area.
