Nearly 2,000 security personnel launch anti-Maoist operation along Chhattisgarh-Telangana border

Around 2,000 security personnel, led by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), launched an operation on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border to track down senior Maoist commanders, a senior CRPF official said on Wednesday (February 18, 2026).

The operation, codenamed “KGH-2”, is underway in the Nambi and Korgotalu Hills region and forms part of the Union Government’s declared objective of eradicating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) from the country by March 2026.

According to the official, the number of politburo and central committee members of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist)—the highest decision-making body—has come down to four from 20 in January 2025.

Security forces are searching for four senior leaders: Ganapati, Devuji, Malla Raja Reddy and Misir Besra. In the ongoing operation, security personnel are looking for central committee member Devji alias Chetan and junior cadre Kesa Sodhi, the official said.

The CRPF is the lead force in implementing government schemes in Maoist-affected areas. Recently, the Chhattisgarh Government designated CRPF company locations in interior areas as “Integrated Centres” for implementing the “Niyad Nellanar Yojna”, a multi-dimensional developmental initiative.

According to the CRPF, the number of districts categorised as Maoist-affected declined from 18 at the beginning of 2025 to eight by year-end.

The paramilitary force said targeting Maoist leadership is part of its broader combat strategy aimed at weakening the organisation’s operational capabilities. In 2025, 12 senior Maoist leaders were neutralised, and five others surrendered amid intensified operations. 

In all, 370 Maoists were killed in operations conducted by the CRPF, 1,175 ultras or their sympathisers were apprehended, and 2,391 extremists surrendered.

“As part of the combat strategy, CRPF has identified the strongholds of Maoists, and it was decided to establish launch pads/FOBs with the intention to disrupt supply chains and the launching of operations. In 2025, 61 forward operating bases were established in core areas, including 32 in Chhattisgarh, 9 in Jharkhand, 4 in Odisha, 4 in Maharashtra, 11 in Madhya Pradesh and one in Telangana,” CRPF said.