HYDERABAD, MAY 21, 2025: Union Minister for Home Amit Shah has stated that the security forces have neutralised 27 dreaded Naxalites, including CPI Maoists general Secretary Namballa Kesava Rao alias Basava Raj in a fierce battle to eliminate Naxalism in an operation in Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh state on Wednesday.
Kesava Rao hailed from the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh and is aged around 67 years. He was made as the General Secretary of the CPI Maoist, after its charismatic leader Muppala Laxmana Rao alias Ganapathi stepped down from the post in 2017. Kesava Rao, known to be the best military brain in the banned party, headed the Central Military Commission (CMC) for a long time before being elevated to the top position.
Mr Amit Shah stated that this is the first time in three decades of Bharat’s battle against Naxalism that as general secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised by the security forces. “I applaud our brave security forces and agencies for this breakthrough”, Mr Shah stated and added that “also glad to share that after completion of Operation Black Forest, 54 Naxalites have been arrested and 84 Naxalites have been surrendered in Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra states”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has posted on his X : “Proud of our forces for this remarkable success. Our government is committed to eliminating the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress of our people.”
