New Delhi, May 21 -- Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday congratulated security forces for the successful operation in Narayanpur, where 27 Naxals were killed in an encounter, including top CPI-Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju.

He also paid tribute to the jawan who lost his life in the operation, while highlighting past efforts by his government to make 600 villages Naxal-free.

Speaking to ANI, Bhupesh Baghel said, "27 naxals have been killed and one jawan has also been martyred during the encounter. I congratulate all the jawans for this huge operational success. I pray for the soul of the departed jawan and offer condolences to his family... When we were in government, 60...