In a significant development in Jharkhand's ongoing battle against left-wing extremism, Director General of Police (DGP) Tadasha Mishra issued a stern warning to Maoist insurgents on Saturday, urging them to abandon violence or face lethal consequences. This comes just days after security forces eliminated 17 Maoists, including a key central committee member, in a major encounter in the dense Saranda forest.
Security Forces Deliver Crushing Blow to Maoist Outfit
The operation, conducted on January 22 and 23 in the Saranda forest area of West Singhbhum district, resulted in the deaths of 17 Maoist cadres. Among those killed was Patiram Majhi, alias Anal da, a prominent central committee member of the outlawed outfit. The encounter took place in Kumbhdih and Bahada villages under the Chota Nagra police station limits, where security forces engaged the ultras in a fierce gun battle.
DGP Reviews Operations and Felicitates Jawans
DGP Tadasha Mishra visited Chaibasa on Saturday to review the ongoing anti-Maoist operations in the region. Flanked by senior officials from the Jharkhand Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Mishra felicitated the jawans who participated in the operation, praising their bravery and patience in eliminating the ultras.
"The operation of January 22 and 23 delivered a crushing blow to the Maoist outfit," Mishra stated. "Naxal activities in the Saranda forest are expected to decline significantly following this successful operation."
Surrender or Face Elimination: DGP's Ultimatum
Issuing a direct warning to the remaining Maoists, the DGP emphasized, "Shun arms and join the mainstream to reap the benefits of the state government's rehabilitation scheme, or each one of you will be eliminated." She reiterated that the offensive against Maoists in the Saranda forest would be intensified until they are completely flushed out from the area.
Operation Megaburu: A Model of Coordination
CRPF Inspector General Saket Kumar Singh highlighted the success of 'Operation Megaburu,' describing it as a perfect example for the country. "Multiple stake-holding security agencies demonstrated flawless orchestration of skill, technique, and teamwork," he said.
Singh further revealed that all 17 Maoists killed in the operation were notorious figures, with their identities confirming their involvement in various acts of violence carried out by the outfit in the Saranda forest. Security forces also recovered 14 weapons and a cache of ammunition from the encounter site.
Impact on Rural Development and Naxal Influence
Both Mishra and Singh were unequivocal in asserting that the government's rural development schemes would now reach remote villages deep within the forest, thanks to the sharp decline in armed Naxalite influence following the triumphant operation.
Police data indicates that since 2023, a total of 183 Naxalites have been arrested, and 28 have been killed in the Saranda forest region, underscoring the sustained pressure on extremist elements in this strategically important area.
