In a major counterinsurgency operation, Nambala Keshava Rao, known as Basavraj, a top leader of the CPI(Maoist), was killed alongside an estimated 27 to 30 other Maoists in a joint intelligence-led mission conducted by security forces in the dense forests of Narayanpur district.
Government sources confirmed that the operation, which lasted three days, targeted a high-level gathering of Maoist leaders. While several senior commanders of the banned group are believed to have perished, official confirmation of their identities is still pending. The area, located in the Maad region of Narayanpur, has long been a stronghold for Maoist activity.
At 68 years old, Basavraj served as the General Secretary of CPI(Maoist) and held prominent positions within the Politburo, Central Committee, and the Central Military Commission. Hailing from Jiyyannapeta in Srikakulam district of Telangana, he was an engineering graduate from the Regional Engineering College in Warangal. Notable for his numerous aliases—including Gaganna, Prakash, Krishna, Vijay, Umesh, Raju, and Kamlu—he was associated with orchestrating several deadly attacks against Indian forces and was on the run with a ₹1 crore bounty on his head.
Assuming leadership after the resignation of former chief Muppala Lakshmana Rao, alias Ganapathy, due to age and health concerns, Basavraj continued to spearhead operations across Central and Eastern India, especially in the challenging terrains of Chhattisgarh.
This latest operation follows closely on the heels of Operation Black Forest, a comprehensive 21-day offensive in the Karreguttalu Hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, which saw the deaths of 31 Maoists and led to the recovery of significant weapons and supplies. Such operations highlight the government’s intensified campaign against left-wing extremism, driven by directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to neutralize the Maoist threat by March 2026.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai commended the valor and resilience of the security forces, stating, “Our brave soldiers have stood firm for three days in extremely difficult terrain with unmatched dedication. This battle is not merely against Naxal violence but for peace, progress, and a better future for our people.”
Sources indicated that the recent encounter resulted in the confiscation of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and logistical supplies associated with the Maoists. The operation was a coordinated effort between state police forces, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and elite COBRA units.
This mission is considered a pivotal achievement in the ongoing battle against left-wing extremism in India. However, senior officials have cautioned that the threat remains prevalent, with hundreds of active cadres thought to be operating in forested areas across Chhattisgarh and neighboring states.
Ongoing search operations and combing mandates are still underway in the region, with authorities expected to release an official list of the deceased once identities are confirmed. The security establishment views Basavraj’s death as likely to create significant disruption in the Maoist command structure, potentially leading to a leadership crisis within the insurgent ranks.
The central government is framing this development as a testament to its aggressive, intelligence-driven counterinsurgency strategy. Further updates are anticipated as the region remains on high alert and recovery efforts continue.
