Major Maoist Encounter in Jharkhand: Top Leader with Rs 1 Crore Bounty Among 15 Killed
In a significant blow to left-wing extremism, a top Maoist leader carrying a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head was among approximately 15 insurgents killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in Jharkhand's dense Saranda forest area on Thursday. The operation, which marks one of the most substantial successes against Maoist insurgency in recent times, unfolded in the West Singhbhum district, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
Intense Firefight in Saranda Forest
The exchange of fire began near Kumbhdih village under the Chotanagra police station limits early Thursday morning, with residents of surrounding villages reporting continuous gunfire from the early hours. According to officials, the operation was based on specific intelligence inputs and commenced around 6:30 am. Security forces were conducting an anti-Maoist search operation in the challenging terrain of Saranda forests when Maoists, allegedly lying in ambush, opened fire, prompting a swift and intense retaliation from the forces.
IG (Operations) Michael Raj confirmed the operation and the killing of Anal da alias Tufan, a Central Committee member of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) who was active in the Saranda region. Raj stated, "As of now, we are not disclosing the full details. We cannot confirm the numbers of dead Maoists. But yes, along with Anal da, around eight to nine more have been killed." Preliminary inputs suggest around 15 Maoists may have been neutralized, though officials emphasized that counting is still ongoing as the operation continues.
Strategic Significance and Official Reactions
This operation gains strategic importance as it comes ahead of the central government's March 2026 deadline to end the Maoist insurgency. Anal da, also known as Pati Ram Majhi, was among Jharkhand's three most wanted Maoist leaders, making his elimination a critical achievement. Jharkhand's Director General of Police, Tadasha Mishra, hailed the operation as successful, stating, "It's a very good job from our soldiers' side. The operation was ongoing since morning, and this operation is one of the biggest successes we were looking for."
Raj highlighted the operational challenges, noting that Saranda's difficult terrain, dense forests, and rugged hills provide a stronghold for CPI (Maoist) activities. "A large-scale operation is underway inside the forest," he added, confirming that the area has been cordoned off by security teams. Additional forces have been deployed to maintain control and ensure no further threats emerge.
Ongoing Operations and Future Implications
While the killing of Anal da is confirmed, officials have not yet provided details on the status of the other two most wanted Maoist leaders: Misir Besra, a Politburo member and secretary of the Eastern Regional Bureau, and Aseem Mandal alias Akash Mandal from West Bengal. The operation remains active, with security forces continuing their efforts to clear the area and assess the full impact.
Officials indicated that a clearer picture of the encounter's outcomes will emerge once the operation concludes. This development underscores the persistent efforts by security forces to curb Maoist activities in Jharkhand, particularly in forested regions that have long served as hideouts for insurgent groups. The successful neutralization of a high-value target like Anal da is expected to significantly disrupt Maoist operations in the area, contributing to broader counter-insurgency goals.
