31 Maoists, 2 jawans killed at Indravati National Park
What's the story
Two security personnel and 31 Maoists were killed in a gunfight at Indravati National Park in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, the police said on Sunday.
The encounter took place after a joint team of security forces moved toward a specific area in the park, acting on intelligence on Maoist presence.
Inspector General of Police for Bastar Range, Sundarraj P confirmed the deceased jawans belonged to District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF), both specializing in anti-Maoist operations.
Medical evacuation
Injured jawans airlifted to Raipur
Two more jawans were injured in the gunfight and are being airlifted to Raipur for treatment.
The police said intermittent firing was done on Sunday, and some Naxals may have died in the firing.
This is the second encounter at Indravati National Park this year. On January 12, three Maoists were killed in an encounter.
Maoist hub
Indravati National Park: A known Maoist stronghold
The park, which borders Abujhmad, is a Maoist stronghold and covers a 2,799.08 sq km area, bordering Maharashtra. It was declared a tiger reserve in 1983.
In 2025, 62 Maoists have been gunned down in encounters across Chhattisgarh, while 11 jawans have laid down their lives battling them.
Nine civilians have also been killed by Maoists this year, including five from Bijapur district where the national park is located.