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NDTV
12 hours ago
- NDTV
Fearless Force That Scripted The End Of Maoist Terror In Bastar
The lush but deadly jungles of Abujhmad in Chhattisgarh -- long considered the impenetrable heartland of Naxal operations -- recently witnessed a turning point. Basavaraju, one of India's most-wanted Naxal commanders with a Rs 10 crore bounty on his head, was neutralized in a swift operation led by the District Reserve Guard or DRG, a special jungle warfare unit of the Chhattisgarh Police. In a span of hours, the DRG eliminated 28 hardcore Naxals along with Basavaraju inside what was considered his safest hideout. What followed wasn't just strategic success. It was a symbolic end to the long-standing aura of invincibility surrounding the Maoist top brass. But who exactly are these brave men and women of DRG? How did this local force rise to become the most lethal anti-Maoist unit in India? A Force Born from the Soil Established in 2015, the District Reserve Guard (DRG) is not a conventional police unit. It is a battalion built from within Bastar-composed of local tribal youth, surrendered Naxals, and Bastar fighters who know the dense terrain like the back of their hand. Their strength lies not just in numbers, but in the intimate knowledge of geography, guerrilla tactics, and the psychology of the enemy. "Earlier they took up arms against the Constitution; now they protect it," said Prabhat Kumar, a senior police officer of Narayanpur, underscoring the transformation of surrendered Naxals into protectors of law and order. The DRG's core philosophy revolves around three principles -- Mati (Brain), Gati (Speed), and Minimum Damage. Mati: Operations are backed by intelligence. DRG jawans aren't just fighters, they are analysts. Off-duty, they are seen with laptops and maps, planning the next mission. Gati: With unmatched endurance, they can trek 30-35 km of jungle terrain overnight. Their mobility has caught Naxals off-guard on multiple occasions. Minimum Damage: Every operation aims at maximum impact on Naxals with minimum or no loss to DRG soldiers. This careful but fierce approach has earned DRG a dreaded reputation inside Naxal ranks. A diary found in Basavaraju's camp had this chilling line written in red ink - "Comrade, hide wherever you are... DRG force will find and kill you". DRG jawans are trained in jungle warfare, anti-guerilla tactics, booby trap detection, and terrain-based ambush strategies. They are skilled enough to turn every challenge of the jungle into an advantage. "Whether it is fast movement, laying low, or surviving days in the forest, our training ensures we can strike without warning," adds SP Prabhat Kumar. Their success speaks for itself. In October 2024, the DRG killed 38 Naxals in Thulthuli-Nedur. In May 2025, the team struck again-killing Basavaraju and 28 others on Kilakot hill. Former Maoist Babu Kawasi, once a bodyguard to Basavaraju, admitted that special modules were created by the Maoist leadership just to counter DRG. "We were taught how to lay traps, how to avoid DRG ambushes, but even then, we lived in constant fear. DRG always finds a way," he said. Another surrendered cadre, Manoj (name changed), echoed the sentiment. "They are tribals, they know the land, they know the jungle, and they have unmatched survival instincts. When DRG comes, even our seniors tremble." With over 2,000 personnel, DRG is deeply rooted in local communities, All members are tribals, locals, and surrendered rebels. Many are women, who play a frontline role in operations. They possess terrain intelligence, are tech-savvy, and are emotionally invested in securing their homeland. "We provide them every possible support-financial, logistical, training. Because they are our most valuable asset," said Mr Kumar. More Powerful Than Greyhounds and C-60? From Andhra's Greyhounds to Maharashtra's C-60, India has produced elite anti-Naxal units but the DRG has outperformed all in recent years. Its hyper-local model, cultural connection, and deep understanding of Maoist movement give it a decisive edge. "This time it has become clear that red terror will end, development will reach every village, and the Constitution will be implemented in every corner of Bastar-all because of DRG," said Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, praising the force after the latest operation in Abujhmad. In a region where governance once feared to tread, DRG is not just reclaiming land -- it is restoring dignity, peace, and hope to people brutalised by decades of insurgency. From being victims of Maoist propaganda to becoming its fiercest destroyers, these jungle warriors have rewritten the rulebook of counter-insurgency. In Bastar today, the ground may still be red-but it is no longer in fear. It is in resistance, resilience, and renewed resolve, thanks to the unyielding spirit of DRG.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Cops step up vigil on Maoists; Naxal statement says surrendered cadres aided in May 21 gunfight
RAIPUR: Police and intelligence agencies have been keeping a close watch on activities of Maoist cadres and their overground supporters following the last week's killing of their top leader Basavaraju in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, officials said on Monday. In a statement attributed to Maoists and shared nearly a week after the encounter, the Naxals have admitted that a total of 28 cadres, including Basavaraju, were killed in the gun-battle. In one of the biggest strikes on Naxalites, security forces gunned down Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, general secretary of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), and 26 other cadres during a fierce encounter in forests of Abhujmad along Bijapur-Narayanpur inter-district border on May 21. Two jawans of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of state police were also killed during the gunfight. In the statement dated May 25, shared on social media on Monday, Maoists claimed some cadres active in the unit of Basavaraju recently surrendered before police and helped security forces in the operation, resulting in the death of the septuagenarian Naxal leader. The three-page statement was issued in the name of Vikalp, a spokesperson of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), which had been instrumental in executing several deadly attacks on security forces in south Bastar.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Cops step up vigil after Naxals say May 21 gunfight aided by ex-cadres
Police and intelligence agencies have been keeping a close watch on activities of Maoist cadres and their overground supporters following the last week's killing of their top leader Basavaraju in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, officials said on Monday. In a statement attributed to Maoists and shared nearly a week after the encounter, the Naxals have admitted that a total of 28 cadres, including Basavaraju, were killed in the gun-battle. In one of the biggest strikes on Naxalites, security forces gunned down Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, general secretary of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), and 26 other cadres during a fierce encounter in forests of Abhujmad along Bijapur-Narayanpur inter-district border on May 21. Two jawans of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of state police were also killed during the gunfight. In the statement dated May 25, shared on social media on Monday, Maoists claimed some cadres active in the unit of Basavaraju recently surrendered before police and helped security forces in the operation, resulting in the death of the septuagenarian Naxal leader. The three-page statement was issued in the name of Vikalp, a spokesperson of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), which had been instrumental in executing several deadly attacks on security forces in south Bastar. The Maoists, in the statement said, there were 35 cadres, including Basavaraju, who were engaged in the encounter with security personnel on May 21 and of them, 28 were killed while seven others managed to escape. Police had recovered the bodies of 27 Naxalites. The body of a cadre, Nilesh, was found by Maoists, the statement said. "The police intelligence was already aware of the presence of the party's (CPI-Maoist) general secretary BR Dada in Abhujmad. In the last 6 months, some people from different units active in the Maad area surrendered before police and became traitors. Police kept receiving our confidential information from these surrendered cadres. Two major operations were conducted (by security forces) in January and March targeting Basavaraju, but they were not successful," it said. After these operations, in the last one-and-a-half months, six people from the unit belonging to Basavaraju surrendered before police. A company party committee member (CYPCM), who was charged with key responsibility in Basavaraju's security, was also among them, said the statement. A member of the unified command of Maoists, which guides Naxal activities in Abhujmad, also sided with police which made their task easier. All these surrendered cadres took part in the (anti-Naxal) operation. Because of them, we had to suffer such a big loss, it said. Maoists admitted they failed to protect their leader. A senior police official said the CPI (Maoist), in the statement, has admitted to the loss of 28 cadres, including Basavaraju, "Through the statement, the illegal and banned Maoist outfit was also trying to instigate their supporters to organise rallies and meetings throughout the country to glorify the death of their cruel and dreadful leadership, which was responsible for the death of thousands and thousands of innocent citizens, tribals, women, children and security personnel. "Police and intelligence agencies have been keeping a strict vigil on activities of underground Maoist cadres as well as their overground workers and supporters," Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P noted. Three AK-47 rifles, four Self Loading Rifle (SLR), six Insas rifles, one carbine, six .303 rifles, one Barrel Grenade Launcher (BGL), two rocket launchers, two 12 bore guns, one country made pistol, two muzzle loading guns and a huge cache of explosives were recovered from the encounter site in forests of Kudmel-Kalhaja-Jatlur villages, he said. "The recovered arms included an AK-47 weapon looted by Basavaraju and his associates from security forces in April 2010 Tadmetla ambush in then Dantewada district (where 76 security personnel were killed) and those looted by Naxals after 2010 Gawadi (Narayanpur district) and 2017 Burkapal (Sukma district) attacks," the IPS officer said. Efforts were on to establish the origin of other weapons, he added. Basavaraju was one of the most wanted criminals in the country and so far records of more than 258 criminal cases, in which he had direct or indirect involvement, are being screened by the investigation team, Sundarraj said. Further lawful action and investigation procedure is being carried out by Narayanapur Police in the case, the IG said.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Fear Of Death": Why Maoist Basavaraju's Trusted Aide Surrendered
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Babu Kawasi, once a trusted gunman for Maoist Basavaraju, has surrendered due to fears of death as anti-Naxal operations intensify. He said he has urged the remaining members to leave the jungle before it is too late. Bhopal: Once a trusted gunman of Maoist chief Basavaraju, Babu Kawasi has laid down his arms. In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Babu Kawasi opened up about the inner workings of India's most secretive insurgent network and the final days of Basavaraju - the top leader of the CPI (Maoist), who was gunned down in a massive encounter in Maad's Kilakot hills on May 21. Fear of a similar fate led Babu and his wife to walk away from the jungle and surrender in Dantewada. For more than a decade, Babu had served as a personal guard to the most wanted Naxalite leaders including Ganapati and later Basavaraju, operating deep inside the dense, unforgiving forests of Bastar and Abujhmad. Now, as the red corridors shrink under pressure from relentless anti-Naxal operations, the former guerrilla soldier has a message for those still holding on: "Come out before it is too late." Q: You were with Basavaraju until the end. What made you surrender now? Babu Kawasi: The fear of death. The government is not stopping. The jungle is no longer safe. Encounters are happening almost every week. I had appealed to a few comrades to surrender - they didn't, and they were among those killed with Basavaraju on May 21. That could have been me. So I left on April 29 and surrendered with my wife. Q: Tell us about your role in the Naxal organization. Babu: I was in Company No. 7 of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army. I guarded Central Committee members from 2012 onwards. I was first assigned to Ganapati, then to Basavaraju from 2016 to December 2024. I used to carry automatic weapons. I was trained to ambush police and plant booby traps. Q: What kind of leader was Basavaraju? Babu: He was sharp, spoke clear Telugu, some Gondi, and broken Hindi. He focused a lot on tactical ambushes and taught us how to use terrain and traps against the forces, especially the DRG. Q: Why is the Naxal group afraid of the DRG (District Reserve Guard)? Babu: Because they are our own. Many DRG soldiers are former Naxals. They know our tricks, our routes, our strategies. The organization has no answer to them. Even Basavaraju used to say - "Yeh DRG sabse badi samasya hai (These DRGs are the biggest problems)." That's why we were trying to prepare new fighters with new strategies, but that didn't work. Q: What is the situation inside the Naxal organization now? Babu: It's breaking. People are scared. The people are not supporting us anymore. Villagers don't come forward like before. And the ideology has changed-what started as revolution has become about survival now. Q: Do you regret your time in the movement? Babu: Yes. If Basavaraju had surrendered, he would have been alive. I wish we had understood earlier. I've appealed to those still inside to come out, for their families, for their own future. There is nothing left in the jungle.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Authorities perform last rites of Basavaraju, 7 other Naxalites killed in Chhattisgarh encounter
Authorities in Narayanpur performed the last rites for top Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, and seven other Naxalites killed in a recent encounter in Chhattisgarh. While 20 bodies were handed over to families, some kin requested cremation due to decomposition fears. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The last rites of top Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao , alias Basavaraju, and seven other cadres killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarh last week were performed by the authorities on Monday, officials said. The last rites were conducted in one of the biggest strikes on Naxalites, security forces gunned down Basavaraju, the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), and 26 other cadres, during an encounter in the forest of Abhujmad along the Bijapur-Narayanpur inter-district border on May jawans of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of the state police were also killed during the the 27 killed Naxalites, the bodies of 20 cadres were handed over to their respective families after verifying their claims, a police statement the kin of Naxalite Kosi, alias Hungi, requested the local authorities to facilitate the cremation of his body in Narayanpur, the district headquarters, citing fear of the spread of communicable diseases as it had decomposed, it the presence of the authorities and several policemen, Kosi's family members performed his last were no clear legal claimants for the remaining seven bodies of Naxalites, including that of Basavaraju, it bodies were cremated in Narayanpur as per the legal procedure, the statement the police of not handing over Basavaraju's body to them, his family had approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court , seeking a direction to the Chhattisgarh and AP governments to give them the body for performing the last kin of another slain Naxalite had also approached the AP high court with a similar Andhra Pradesh HC on May 24 disposed of the two writ petitions, saying the petitioners were open to approach the police authorities of Chhattisgarh to seek custody of the bodies of the Chhattisgarh Advocate General had informed the HC that after completion of the post-mortem, the bodies would be handed over to the respective relatives as per legal procedure.
