How did DRG’s approach break the back of Maoism in the forest? Decisive attack on Naxalites in Chhattisgarh
Spread throughout the deep forests for decades, naxalism appears to be running out of last breaths. The network of Naxalites has been rocked in the last few months by the accuracy, planning, and coordination with which the state administration and security forces have executed one operation after another.
Strength comes from local ground; DRG specializes in
Established in 2008, DRG is a unique Chhattisgarh Police special unit consisting of local tribal young recruits. These young people have an advantage in anti-Naxal operations since they grasp the geography, language, and social fabric of the area more precisely. More than 3500 troops are assigned in DRG as of 2021, and their importance in every mission is proving to be vital.
May 2025
DRG and CRPF killed 27 Naxalites in the 50-hour “Abujhmad Operation” on the Narayanpur-Bijapur border. Head of the organization’s military strategy, Maoist commander Vasavaraj was also slain in this operation while bearing a bounty of Rs 1 crore. Earlier, DRG also significantly participated in the operations in Bijapur and Sukma in January and March 2025, where 28 Naxalites were slain overall.
Government’s dual approach, how successful
CM Vishnu Dev Sai has declared that development is almost as important as weapons. Under this perspective, the state government has acted to translate the security force camps into “Suvidha Kendras”. The Suvidha Kendras’ residents have access to health, education, and employment connected services.
Roads: Bastar, Sukma and Dantewada developed more than 1200km of roads.
Health: Setup of health clinics and mobile medical teams.
Education: building digital library and house of learning.
Women and young people are learning dairy and bamboo skills as well as sewing.
Every village now has solar grid and pipeline water projects running through it.
As surrenders grew, Naxals’ power broke
Naxals who give up violence are being housed, given financial aid, protection and training under the rehabilitation policy of the state government. More than 250 Naxals have turned in thus far in 2024–25, including numerous medium-ranking Maoists.
Success turned on group activity.
DRG’s collaboration with troops including CRPF, CoBRA, STF, and BSF has lately grown more result-oriented and stronger. Fast, exact, coordinated actions in remote jungles have shattered the rear of Naxal units.
The killing of Vasavaraj dealt a serious damage to Maoism.
Considered the military brain of the Maoist group, Vasavaraj passed away in Abujhmad Apart from leaving the leader of the company empty-handed, his death shattered worker morale. The rate of capitulation has then gotten faster.
Result: Create trust; decrease of violence
The state government thinks that Naxalism will finish with development and communication as much as with weapons. Now preparing the ground for peace and stability in the Bastar forests are DRG’s ground activity and government’s development program.