Chattisgarh

The death of 19-year-old Kavita Das at her boyfriend Mahfuz Khan’s Raipur home has sparked outrage.

Raipur authorities demolished the house of 65-year-old Abdul Sajjid Ansari, accused of repeatedly raping a nine-year-old girl. While the accused is in judicial custody, the Municipal Corporation razed his illegal property under a zero-tolerance policy against serious crimes and municipal violations.

In Kanker's Bade Tewada, a burial dispute between tribals and Christian converts sparked violence. Over 3,000 protested, burning two churches and injuring 20, including a cop. A Shitla Mata temple was later torched in retaliation, prompting police probes.

In Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, security forces killed at least three Maoists in a gunfight near Golapalli Police Station after a tip-off. The DRG operation continues with weapons recovered. This follows 18 Maoists killed earlier this month near Bijapur-Dantewada, with over 470 down in Bastar since 2024.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, at Bastar Olympics closing, hailed the shift from "Lal Salaam" to "Bharat Mata ki Jai." He vowed Naxalism's end by March 2026, top tribal development by 2030, and Olympic scouting for local talents amid record 3.91 lakh participants.

Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma announced that 80% of Maoism has been eliminated from the state, with the remaining influence limited to small pockets. Citing a March 2026 deadline for total eradication, he urged rebels to surrender or face strict military action.

Senior Maoist leaders, including Division Committee Secretary Mukesh, were among those who surrendered in Kanker. Police said over 2,100 Maoists have laid down arms since 2023 as the state pushes for a Maoist-free Bastar.