India: Police kill 37 Maoist rebels in Maharashtra state April 22-23

Event

As of Tuesday, April 24, Indian police have recovered the bodies of 37 Maoist (Naxalite) fighters killed in clashes with security forces during a police raid in Gadchiroli district (Maharashtra state) on Sunday, April 22, and Monday, April 23. The death toll may rise as the search continues for the bodies of Maoist rebels who had tried to escape the raid by wading into the Indravati River. Additional assaults by security forces on suspected Maoist rebel positions are possible in the coming weeks.

Context

Maoist rebels are believed to be present in at least 20 Indian states, and are most active in the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Odisha. Members of the group, also known as Naxalites, have actively led an insurgency in India since 1967, calling for more resources to be devoted to poor, rural communities.

Advice

Individuals in the affected area are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Remain vigilant for potential militant activity, particularly if planning on traveling to rural areas of the abovementioned states.