HM Amit Shah confirms killing of top naxal leader Namballa Keshav Rao in Chhattisgarh

In a major anti-Naxal operation, security forces neutralized 27 Maoists, including CPI-M General Secretary Basavaraju, marking an unprecedented breakthrough confirmed by Union Minister Amit Shah.

Hyderabad: At least 27 Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region on Wednesday.

Earlier reports suggested that top Maoist leader Namballa Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, was among those killed.

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Confirming the reports, Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to X to announce the death of the top Maoist leader in the encounter.

In his statement on the social media platform, Amit Shah said, “A landmark achievement in the battle to eliminate Naxalism. Today, in an operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, our security forces neutralized 27 dreaded Maoists, including Namballa Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju — the General Secretary of CPI-Maoist, topmost leader, and the backbone of the Naxal movement.”

A landmark achievement in the battle to eliminate Naxalism. Today, in an operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, our security forces have neutralized 27 dreaded Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of CPI-Maoist, topmost leader, and the…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 21, 2025

Applauding the security forces and agencies for their role in the major breakthrough, he added that this is the first time in history that a General Secretary-ranked leader has been neutralized by the forces.

The Home Minister also reiterated that the Modi-led government at the Centre is committed to eliminating Naxalism before March 31, 2026.

Kesava Rao hailed from Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh and is aged around 67 years. He was made 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.