Two More Maoists Killed in Saranda Forest Operation, Total Toll Reaches 17
In a significant development in the ongoing anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand, two more Maoists were killed on Friday in the Mega-buru operation within the Saranda forest of West Singhbhum district. This brings the total number of Maoists eliminated in the last 36 hours to 17, as confirmed by police officials.
Continuation of Thursday's Operation
The action on Friday is a direct continuation of the operation that took place on Thursday, which resulted in the deaths of fifteen Maoists. Among those killed on Thursday was top CPI (Maoist) leader Pati Ram Majhi, also known as Anal Da, who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore. Police sources indicate that after retrieving the bodies of the fifteen slain Maoists from various locations in the forest, troops took a brief rest before resuming the search based on fresh and specific intelligence inputs.
Operational Details and Clarifications
IG (Operations) Michael Raj, in a statement to The Indian Express, confirmed the two additional killings on Friday. He emphasized that the Mega-buru operation remains active and the area is still cordoned off. Raj clarified that senior Maoist leader Misir Besra, a Politburo member and secretary of the CPI (Maoist)’s Eastern Regional Bureau with a reward of Rs 1 crore, was not among those killed in this phase. He stated, "As of now, we are not disclosing full operational details. The operation is still underway inside the forest."
Background and Context
The Saranda forest, known for its dense terrain, has been a hotspot for Maoist activities in Jharkhand. The Mega-buru operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to curb Naxal insurgency in the region. The intermittent search operations, driven by intelligence inputs, highlight the challenges and persistence required in such anti-insurgency campaigns. This recent escalation in fatalities underscores the intensity of the conflict and the government's resolve to address Maoist threats in the area.
As the operation progresses, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with further updates expected as developments unfold. The focus remains on ensuring security and stability in the region while minimizing risks to civilians and troops involved in the operation.
