Gadchiroli Encounter: Top Naxal Leader Prabhakar Singh Killed, 7 Neutralised
In a major anti-Naxal operation, Gadchiroli Police’s elite C-60 unit eliminated seven Naxalites, including top leader Prabhakar Singh, during a fierce encounter in the dense Abujhmarh forests near the Chhattisgarh border.
Gadchiroli Police have dealt a significant blow to the Naxalite movement after a three-day-long encounter in the inaccessible Abujhmarh forest region along the Maharashtra–Chhattisgarh border. The operation was carried out by the elite C-60 commando force.
Top Naxal Leader Prabhakar Singh Killed
Among the seven Naxalites killed was Prabhakar Singh, a dreaded leader and in-charge of the Gadchiroli Divisional Committee. He carried a reward of Rs 25 lakh and was considered one of the last active senior Naxal commanders in the region.
Company No. 10 Targeted After Intel Input
The operation was launched after police received confidential intelligence about the presence of Company No. 10 of the Naxal outfit in the Fodevada area of Bhamragad taluka. Acting on this tip-off, a 14-team search operation began on February 3 under the leadership of DSP Amar Mohite.
Heavy Firing During Two-Day Encounter
On February 4, Naxalites opened indiscriminate fire on security forces. Using dense bushes and hilly terrain to their advantage, the ultras attempted to stall the advance. However, C-60 commandos retaliated strongly, leading to a two-day-long fierce gunbattle.
Seven Naxalites Neutralised, Camps Destroyed
During the encounter, seven Naxalites were killed, effectively dismantling Company No. 10’s command structure. Security forces also destroyed two Naxal camps in the forest area.
Arms and Literature Recovered
After the operation, police recovered a large cache of weapons and materials, including:
- 3 AK-47 rifles
- 1 SLR rifle
- 1 .303 rifle
- Large quantities of ammunition
- Naxalite literature and documents
C-60 Commando Deepak Madavi Martyred
The operation also saw the martyrdom of C-60 jawan Deepak Chinna Madavi (38) from Aheri taluka. Displaying exceptional bravery, he engaged the Naxalites head-on but was fatally hit by bullets during the exchange of fire.
Another Jawan Injured, Condition Stable
Another commando, Joga Madavi, sustained a bullet injury to his leg. Police confirmed that he is under medical treatment and stable.
Biggest Blow to Naxal Movement: Police
Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelot Pal termed the encounter as one of the biggest setbacks to the Naxalite movement in recent times, stating that the success came at the cost of immense bravery shown by security personnel.
Aakash Khuman
Credible. Clear. Impactful
