In a major development, 29 Naxals, including a prominent leader with a bounty of Rs 25 lakh on his head, were neutralised in a coordinated operation conducted by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) on Tuesday in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district.

The deceased Naxal leader identified as Shankar Rao was a key figure within the Naxal hierarchy, adding weight to the success of the operation. The encounter, although successful in eliminating a substantial number of Naxal insurgents, resulted in injuries to three security personnel.

Authorities have confirmed the recovery of 18 bodies from the site of the skirmish, with officials anticipating that this count may rise given the ongoing assessment of the situation.

A noteworthy aspect of this operation is the retrieval of a substantial cache of weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles and three light machine guns, signalling a significant blow to the Naxal network in the region.

The engagement took place in the Maad area, a hotspot known for Naxal activity, and occurred just days before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Naxal groups, especially in regions like Kanker, where the security forces continue to engage in proactive measures to maintain peace and security.

As the residents of Kanker gear up for polling on April 26 in the second phase of elections, such operations assume paramount importance in ensuring a safe and conducive electoral environment.