In a significant development in India’s fight against Maoist insurgency, Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the death of Nambala Keshava Rao, also known as Basavraj, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Rao was among approximately 27 to 30 Naxalites killed in an intelligence-led operation by security forces in the Abujhmarh forests of Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on May 21, 2025. This operation marks a major success for Indian security agencies in their ongoing efforts to dismantle Maoist networks in the region.
Nambala Keshava Rao, born in 1955 in Jiyannapet, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, was a prominent figure in the Maoist movement. An alumnus of the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, he was deeply involved in left-wing student politics before joining the Naxalite movement in the 1970s. Rao became the Chief of the CPI (Maoist)’s Central Military Commission and was known for his expertise in guerrilla warfare and use of improvised explosive devices. In November 2018, he ascended to the position of General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist), succeeding Muppala Lakshmana Rao.
The operation in Abujhmarh, which led to Rao’s death, was a coordinated effort involving the District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force, and the Central Reserve Police Force. The encounter is considered one of the deadliest for the Maoist rebels, significantly weakening their command structure in the region. This success is part of a broader strategy by Indian security forces to suppress Maoist insurgency in central India, which has been a longstanding internal security challenge.
Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism from India. He stated that the Centre is resolved to end Left-wing extremism by March 2026 and promote development in affected areas. Shah emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards Naxalism and lauded the security forces for their relentless efforts. He also highlighted the government’s focus on improving road, telecom, and financial connectivity to bring development to remote areas previously affected by Maoist activities.
The elimination of Nambala Keshava Rao is seen as a turning point in India’s counter-insurgency efforts. His death not only disrupts the operational capabilities of the CPI (Maoist) but also serves as a significant morale booster for the security forces. The government hopes that this success will pave the way for lasting peace and development in regions that have long suffered from Maoist violence.
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