PM Modi Hails Security Forces for Killing Maoist Leader Basavaraju in Chhattisgarh Encounter
New Delhi, May 12 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Indian security forces for their successful operation in Chhattisgarh’s Abujhmad forest, which led to the elimination of Nambala Keshav Rao, also known as Basavaraju, a senior leader of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). Calling the operation a “remarkable success,” PM Modi reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating Maoist violence and ensuring lasting peace in the affected regions.
PM Modi’s Statement of Praise
On social media platform X, PM Modi expressed pride in the forces’ swift action: “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 for our people.”
The encounter, which took place in the Abujhmad forest area, also saw the death of 26 other Maoists, bringing the total to 27. Basavaraju, who had a bounty of ₹1.5 crore on his head, was a long-time figure in the Maoist movement and one of the most elusive and senior leaders.
Who Was Nambala Keshav Rao (Basavaraju)?
Nambala Keshav Rao, better known as Basavaraju, was a key figure in India’s Maoist insurgency and had held several important positions within the CPI (Maoist). A trained engineer from Warangal’s Regional Engineering College, Basavaraju joined the left-wing student movement in the 1970s. His sharp strategic mind led him to rise rapidly through the ranks of the Maoist organization, eventually becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the Maoists’ Central Military Commission.
Basavaraju became the General Secretary of the CPI (Maoist) after Mupalla Laxman Rao (Ganapathy), the previous head, stepped down due to health issues in 2017. The shift in leadership, announced formally in 2018, marked the first change in Maoist leadership in over 14 years, with Ganapathy having led the movement for a quarter of a century.
The Mastermind Behind Deadly Attacks
Basavaraju was known for his role in masterminding several deadly ambushes on Indian security forces over the past 15 years. As the military chief of the Maoist forces, he played an instrumental role in planning, gathering intelligence, and executing numerous operations. He also headed the Maoists’ forest division in the Dandakaranya region, which includes parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra. Additionally, Basavaraju was a prominent member of the Politburo and Central Committee of the CPI (Maoist) and contributed to the group’s publication Awam-e-Jung.
Despite his seniority and influence, security agencies had limited information about him, as he maintained a low profile and was rarely seen in public. Authorities described him as a “brutal revolutionary” and noted his role in orchestrating some of the most strategic attacks against security personnel.
A Student Activist Turned Underground Leader
Basavaraju was born on July 10, 1955, in Jiyanapeta, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. Coming from a modest background, he excelled not only in academics but also in sports, playing volleyball at the national level for Andhra Pradesh. His involvement in political activism began during his student years, when he joined left-wing student organizations.
His first and only arrest took place in 1980 after a clash with members of the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad). Following this, Basavaraju went underground, becoming one of the leading figures of India’s longest-running insurgency. His death this week marks the end of a key chapter in the Maoist movement.
The killing of Basavaraju is being seen as a major victory in the ongoing battle against Maoist insurgents in India. The operation highlights the effectiveness of India’s security forces in targeting key Maoist leaders and dismantling their network. With the government’s continued focus on national security and peacebuilding, PM Modi’s statement underscores India’s resolve to bring stability to regions affected by Maoist violence.
