At least 16 Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces on Monday (January 21) during a joint operation launched by Odisha and Chhattisgarh police. The incident comes a day after two female Naxalites were gunned down by security forces in Chhattisgarh. A senior police officer said that top Naxalite commander Jairam alias Chalapathi, carrying a reward of Rs 1 crore, was also killed.

The joint interstate operation assisted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) took place in the border areas of Odisha's Nuapada district and Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district. The joint forces were acting on intelligence about several Naxalites active in the deep forests of the border area. Following this, they launched a joint interstate operation on January 19.

After the encounter, security forces have recovered a huge quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives. According to Odisha Police, the number of Naxalite casualties may increase. A senior police officer said that a massive search operation is underway in the area.

What did Amit Shah say?

Asserting that India is on the verge of eliminating Naxalism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on Twitter, 'Another big blow to Naxalism. Our security forces have achieved a major success towards building a Naxal-free India.' Thanking the CRPF, Odisha and Chhattisgarh police, Shah further wrote, 'With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today.'

Last month, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma had said that at least 220 Naxalites were killed in the state in 2024 alone, while 219 Naxalites were killed in the last five years. According to police sources, 15 Naxalites have been eliminated in joint interstate operations so far in 2025.