The encounter, which took place in Kanker district, marks the highest casualties inflicted on Naxalites in a single operation in the history of Chhattisgarh's anti-Naxal campaign.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma lauded the operation as a "surgical strike" against Naxalism, attributing its success to the bravery and dedication of security personnel.

The operation, conducted jointly by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the state police's District Reserve Guard (DRG), resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including AK-47, SLR, Insas, and .303 rifles.

Polling in the Naxal-affected Bastar seat for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is scheduled for April 19. The general assembly elections across India will be commencing from April 19.

Three security personnel, who were injured in te attack, were admitted to a private hospital in Raipur city. 

Deputy CM Sharma, who met the three injured personnel, said that they are all out of danger and will be operated on Wednesday. 

The operation targeted senior Naxalite cadres, Shankar and Lalita, believed to be among the deceased, further weakening the insurgent network in the Bastar region.

Deputy CM Sharma also said that the government is committed to pursuing peace in Bastar through dialogue while ensuring the safety and development of the local population.

 As part of a plan to eradicate the threat, new security camps have been established in the Naxalites' stronghold in the Bastar area, said Deputy CM.