In a decisive move to end decades of insurgency, Chhattisgarh security forces have initiated a ‘focused search operation’ targeting the elusive Maoist commander Paparao. For over a week, specialized teams have been combing the border regions of Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, acting on credible leads about his whereabouts. Paparao is considered the last major hurdle in clearing the West Bastar Division of extremist influence, making his capture or elimination a top priority for the state. Paparao’s profile is one of a veteran insurgent who has survived decades in the jungle. Known to carry an AK-47 and lead violent strikes against infrastructure and security personnel, his current predicament reflects the overall decline of the Maoist movement in the region. The sheer pressure from ongoing operations has fragmented his once-large battalion into small, disconnected groups. Officials state that he is currently hiding in the thick canopy of Abujhmarh, struggling to maintain his shrinking footprint in a landscape that was once his stronghold.
