Senior Maoist among 10 gunned down in Chhattisgarh encounter

Modem Bala Krishna, senior Central Committee Member of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), who was carrying a reward of ₹1 crore on his head, was among 10 Maoists killed in an encounter with security personnel in Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh, police said on Thursday. Union home minister Amit Shah hailed the development, and reiterated “complete eradication of red terror” before March 31, 2026.

- Ritesh Mishra

Officials described Bala Krishna as a significant catch for the forces in the region.

According to inspector general of police (Raipur range), Amresh Mishra, an operation was launched late on Wednesday in the forests of Gariaband area, located over 180km away from state capital Raipur, based on inputs about the movement of top Maoists.

‘A police officer aware of the matter said the bodies of 10 Maoists, including that of Krishna, were recovered on Thursday night, and will be brought back on Friday.