In a three-day anti-Maoist operation, top Maoist leader Prabhakar was killed along with six other cadres, including three women, in Gadchiroli’s Abujmad region. Police confirmed this on Friday, February 6, 2026. Prabhakar, also known as Loketi Chandar Rao, carried a ₹25 lakh reward and led the Maoists’ Gadchiroli Division Committee, West Sub-Zonal Bureau, and Company No 10. One police officer, C-60 jawan Deepak Chinna Madavi, died in the operation, while another, Joga Madavi, was injured and is stable. The operation began after credible intelligence on February 3 about Company No.10’s movements. The police launched a night operation with 14 C60 units near the Narayanpur-Gadchiroli border, just above Phodewada village. There was heavy exchange of fire on February 6 as police targeted two Maoist camps, which were busted. Large quantities of Maoist arms and belongings were seized, including three AK-47 rifles, one SLR, and one .303 rifle. Despite this, Maoists used dense forest and rough terrain to evade capture. Police reinforced with four additional C60 units and one CRPF QAT unit kept up intermittent firefights. Deepak Chinna Madavi, 38, a resident of Mandra village, neutralised two Maoists on Thursday but was fatally injured. He was airlifted to a hospital but passed away. He will be cremated with full honours on Saturday in his native village. Joga Madavi of Kishtyapalli received bullet injuries on the night of February 6 and is now in stable condition in Gadchiroli hospital. The identities of other Maoists killed are yet to be confirmed, police said.