Bastar Operation: Maoist Chief Nambala Keshav Rao Killed

Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 21:  Nambala Keshav Rao, known to many by his alias Basavaraju, had spent over four decades hiding in India’s thick jungles. His journey started in the quiet village of Jiyyannapet, Andhra Pradesh. A bright student, he got into the prestigious Regional Engineering College, Warangal. But dreams changed. He left his M.Tech studies mid-way and joined the CPI (Maoist), a group fighting against the government. His village never saw him again. People whispered stories of him, but he never returned home.

The Forest Became His Home

In 1984, Rao fully entered underground life. He never came back to normal life again. Over time, he became an expert in guerrilla war planning. He travelled through Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, staying hidden. In 1987, he trained in forest warfare from former LTTE fighters in Bastar. He became the backbone of Maoist strategy and was feared by the forces. His plans were sharp, and he avoided arrest for many years. He was also linked to many deadly attacks that shook the country.

The Rise Through Ranks

By 1992, Basavaraju had become a top leader of the CPI (Maoist). He was selected to be part of the central committee. He helped the merger of major Maoist groups in India. In 2018, when the previous leader stepped down, Rao took charge as the general secretary. He was known to be stricter and tougher than his seniors. His beliefs were hard. He supported the idea of using weapons to reach their goals, even if it meant loss of lives. Police said he never bought any property, stayed hidden, and operated mainly from Abujhmad.

The Attacks That Shook The Nation

Rao was connected with some of the deadliest Maoist strikes in India. In 2003, he was involved in a blast that nearly killed then CM Chandrababu Naidu. In 2010, he planned the Chintalnar ambush where 74 CRPF soldiers lost their lives. In 2013, another attack under his plan killed 27 people including Mahendra Karma, leader of the anti-Maoist group Salwa Judum. He was also behind the Balimela ambush in 2008 that led to the death of 37 police personnel. These attacks made him India’s most wanted Maoist.

The Final Encounter In Bastar

On May 21, in the forests of Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, security forces launched a major operation. It ended with the death of 27 Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao. Home Minister Amit Shah called it a big win in the fight against Naxalism. This was the first time in 30 years that a general secretary of CPI (Maoist) was neutralised. Prime Minister Modi also praised the bravery of the forces. The silent forest that once hid Basavaraju had finally spoken. His chapter ended where it all began – deep inside the jungle.