A Selfie with wife-led security forces eliminates top Maoist Leader Chalapathi, Carrying Rs 1 Crore Bounty
Maoist Leader Chalapathi, With Rs 1 Crore Bounty, Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter
In a significant breakthrough in the fight against Naxalism, security forces in Chhattisgarh killed Ramachandra Reddy, alias Chalapathi, a notorious Maoist leader who had been evading capture for decades. Chalapathi, who carried a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head, was among 14 Maoists killed in a fierce encounter near the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border on Tuesday, January 21.
This operation, a joint effort by multiple security agencies, marks a critical success in the ongoing battle to dismantle Maoist strongholds in central India.
Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SoG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralised 14 Naxalites in a joint operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. With our resolve for a Naxal-free…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 21, 2025
A Decade-Long Hunt: How a Selfie Led to Chalapathi’s Identification
Chalapathi, originally from Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district, was a shadowy figure in the Maoist movement, operating primarily in the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. He had earned a reputation for his strategic maneuvers and for staying out of sight, avoiding detection for many years. However, it was an unlikely clue—an image on an abandoned smartphone—that eventually led to his identification.
In May 2016, security forces discovered a smartphone left behind after a gunfight between Maoists and security forces in Andhra Pradesh. On this phone, they found a selfie of Chalapathi with a woman named Aruna. This seemingly innocuous photograph was the breakthrough that allowed security forces to finally track down one of India’s most elusive Maoist leaders.
Following the discovery, Chalapathi was placed on India’s most-wanted list, and the government offered a reward of Rs 1 crore for information leading to his capture. Despite being increasingly reclusive due to health issues, including knee problems that restricted his movements, Chalapathi continued to lead violent Maoist activities, including the deadly 2008 attack on security personnel in Odisha’s Nayagarh district, which resulted in the deaths of 13 security officers.
The Fatal Encounter at Odisha-Chhattisgarh Border
The decisive encounter took place on the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border, an area that has long been a stronghold for Naxalites. A joint team of security forces, including the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), and the Special Operation Group (SOG) from Odisha, launched an operation in the region.
In what was described as a meticulously planned and executed operation, the security forces engaged in a fierce firefight with the Maoist group. Chalapathi and 13 other Maoists were killed during the encounter, marking a major victory for security agencies working to eradicate the Maoist threat in the region. The forces successfully neutralized the militants after intense combat, underscoring their capability and determination in counter-insurgency operations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Hails the Operation
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media to praise the operation, calling it a “mighty blow to naxalism.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shah expressed his gratitude to the security forces for their bravery and success, further stressing the importance of this achievement in India’s continued fight against Maoist insurgency.
“Another mighty blow to naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SoG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police neutralized 14 Naxalites in a joint operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today,” Shah posted.
This statement reflects the central government’s commitment to dismantling the Maoist network, which has plagued several states in India for decades. The death of Chalapathi, a high-profile Maoist leader, is expected to deal a significant blow to the Naxalite movement in the region.
The Ongoing Battle Against Naxalism
Chhattisgarh and Odisha have long been focal points of the Maoist insurgency in India, with dense forests and remote terrain providing safe havens for armed rebels. The security forces have been engaged in an ongoing battle to suppress Naxalite activities and restore peace to the affected areas.
Chalapathi’s death represents a major step forward in this struggle, particularly given his role in orchestrating violent attacks against the Indian state. However, while the operation marks a significant victory, experts warn that the fight against naxalism is far from over. The Naxalite movement continues to have a presence in various parts of India, particularly in the so-called “Red Corridor,” which stretches across several states from Andhra Pradesh to Bihar.
The death of Chalapathi sends a strong message to other Maoist leaders, but it also highlights the need for continued vigilance and concerted efforts to combat extremism and insurgency.
The Path Ahead: Naxal-Free India?
As the government continues its push for a Naxal-free India, the recent success in neutralizing Chalapathi and his associates sends a clear signal to insurgents that the security forces are relentless in their pursuit of justice. While this operation is a notable victory, the challenges of counter-insurgency operations remain, and the security forces will need to maintain their vigilance in regions still under the influence of Maoist groups.
With the joint efforts of various security agencies, the government’s resolve to eliminate naxalism from India’s socio-political landscape remains unwavering.