Security Agencies Pivot to Jharkhand After Key Maoist Surrender in Telangana
In a significant development, security agencies have redirected their attention to Jharkhand following a major setback to the CPI (Maoist) in Telangana. This shift comes after the surrender of designated chief Devji, also known as Tippiri Tirupathi, along with central committee member Malla Rajireddy alias Sangram and 50 other cadres. With sustained encounters and operations reducing Maoist leadership presence in states like Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, officials now view Jharkhand as one of the last remaining strongholds of the organisation's eastern structure.
Focus on Eastern Regional Bureau and Senior Leadership
According to sources in anti-Naxal intelligence agencies, residual Maoist activity is largely confined to parts of Odisha and the Jharkhand belt under the Eastern Regional Bureau (ERB). The remaining senior leadership, particularly in and around the Saranda forests of Jharkhand, has come under intense scrutiny. Key figures believed to be operating in this region include Communist Party of India (Maoist) central committee member Misir Besra and Pusnur Narahari alias Tech Viswanath, who is described in security inputs as an alternate central committee member.
Another senior functionary, Lalchand Hemram alias Anmol Da, is also suspected to be part of the central committee layer linked to the Jharkhand theatre. Security officials earlier stated that recent encounters in Jharkhand, including operations in the Saranda area, have significantly reduced the central committee presence associated with the state.
Intensified Operations and Strategic Approach
A senior police official in Telangana revealed that security forces have ramped up anti-Maoist operations, with a specific focus on the Saranda–Kolhan region. Officials indicated a noticeable drop in Maoist strength in this area following sustained efforts. The approach includes continuous combing of forest areas and initiatives to secure more surrenders, aiming to further weaken the ERB network.
Security agencies have set internal targets as part of a broader push to curb Left Wing Extremism across states. With much of southern and central India witnessing a decline in Maoist activity, the remaining clusters in Jharkhand and parts of Odisha have become the focal points for coordinated action.
Current Status in Other Regions
According to sources in APSIB, approximately 60 Maoists are currently active in Odisha. In the Andhra–Odisha Special Zonal Committee, only Suresh, who headed it, remains. Meanwhile, in Telangana, Damodar, the head of the Telangana State Committee, has yet to surrender, highlighting ongoing challenges in completely dismantling the network.
This strategic shift underscores the evolving landscape of counter-insurgency efforts, as security forces aim to capitalize on recent successes and maintain pressure on the remaining Maoist strongholds to ensure long-term stability in the region.
