Jamshedpur: 17 Maoists Killed in Two-Day Anti-Naxal Operation in Saranda Forest
In a significant escalation of anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand, security forces have eliminated 17 Maoist cadres over two consecutive days in the dense Saranda forest of West Singhbhum district. The toll rose on Friday as two more members of the banned organisation were neutralised, following the killing of 15 Maoists, including a top leader, on Thursday.
Operation Intensifies in Forest Terrain
Police sources confirmed that a fresh exchange of fire occurred on Friday morning in the Kumbhdih–Himjodiri stretch under the Kiriburu police station limits. West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Amit Renu stated, "A woman cadre was gunned down as security forces retaliated to sporadic firing from the other side, while the body of a male operative was recovered during a search of the area."
The deceased male cadre has been identified as Rapa, while the identity of the woman cadre remains to be established. SP Renu highlighted the challenging terrain, noting, "The area where the combing operation is underway is densely forested and hilly, which is prolonging the search."
Top Leader Among Casualties
Thursday's encounter proved particularly decisive, with security forces neutralising 15 Maoists, including five women cadres and Anal Da, a central committee member of the CPI (Maoist). Anal Da carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head in Jharkhand, with additional rewards of Rs 1.2 crore from Odisha and Rs 15 lakh from the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The joint forces involved in the operation comprised personnel from the CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguar, and district police. The gun battle took place at Kumbhdih village, located deep inside the forest, marking a major blow to Maoist activities in the region.
Security Measures and Recoveries
Authorities have sealed identified escape routes with additional force deployments, gradually closing in on cadres hiding in remote forest areas. Security forces have also recovered firearms and explosives for the second consecutive day, though detailed inventories have not been disclosed yet.
Notably, there have been no casualties on the security forces' side during the operation. However, police caution that the number of Maoist casualties could increase as the search operation intensifies. SP Renu reiterated, "So far, 17 Maoists have been eliminated since Thursday," while emphasising that the combing efforts are ongoing.
The operation underscores the persistent efforts of security agencies to curb left-wing extremism in the Kolhan region, which includes districts like East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan. As the situation develops, authorities remain vigilant in this strategically important forest area.
