Top Maoist leader Basavaraj killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

Hyderabad: Nambala Keshavrao, also known as Basavaraj, a senior leader and General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist), was reportedly killed in an encounter with police forces in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The clash occurred near Maad, a Maoist stronghold located between the Narayanpur and Bijapur districts, according to intelligence sources from Telangana.

The operation was part of the ongoing Operation Kagar and was carried out by COBRA commandos along with the Chhattisgarh police. Around 25 Maoists were reportedly killed in the encounter, including Madhu, a key leader of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, and Naveen, linked to the Maoist publication Jung.

Basavaraj, originally from Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh, joined the Maoist movement during his student years in Warangal, where he was active in the Radical Students Union (RSU). He later rose through the ranks, leading the Central Military Commission (CMC) before becoming General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist). The party’s General Secretary is typically chosen from within the CMC leadership.

His death is seen as a major blow to the Maoist organization, which may now face difficulties in regrouping its leadership. This marks a significant phase in Operation Kagar, which follows earlier offensives in the Karreguttalu Hills and Abujhmad areas. Basavaraj was wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and police in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.