A major encounter unfolded in Chhattisgarh's Gariabandh district on Tuesday, where security forces killed 12 Maoists in the Kulari Ghat forest area near the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. This comes after two women Maoists were killed in a separate encounter on Monday evening, bringing the total death toll to 14.

The operation was launched jointly by security forces from Chhattisgarh and Odisha on Monday evening, which led to the clash with Maoists early on Tuesday. In the exchange of fire, 10 Maoists were killed, and two others were slain, while a Cobra Battalion jawan was injured. Over 1,000 security personnel from various forces participated in the operation, which is still ongoing. Among the dead were key Maoist leaders, including Central Committee Member Manoj and Special Zonal Committee Member Guddu. The death toll is expected to rise as the operation continues.