The successful joint operation by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district resulted in a significant blow to Naxal insurgents, with at least 29 militants, including a top leader named Shankar Rao, being neutralized. Shankar Rao, who carried a bounty of Rs 25 lakh on his head, was among those killed in the encounter.
The operation also led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles and three light machine guns, highlighting the militants' significant firepower.
However, the operation did not come without its costs, as three soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter. Additionally, authorities anticipate that the number of Naxal casualties may rise as the area is further secured and searched.
The engagement occurred in the Maad area of Kanker district, just days before the Lok Sabha elections, adding a significant dimension to the security landscape in the region. The residents of Kanker are slated to cast their votes on April 26, marking the second phase of polling in the ongoing elections.
