What happened to the 15 Maoists including Anal Da with a Rs 1 cr bounty in Jharkhand’s Saranda Forest?
Synopsis
In a decisive operation in Saranda forest, security forces killed 15 Maoists, including notorious leader Anal Da, who had a bounty of Rs 1 crore. This marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against Maoist insurgency in Jharkhand. The operation underscores the state's commitment to combating extremism.
Key Takeaways
15 Maoists, including Anal Da, eliminated.
Major success for security forces in Jharkhand.
Ongoing search operations in Saranda forest.
Anal Da had a bounty of Rs 1 crore.
Significant impact on Maoist insurgency.
Chaibasa (Jharkhand), Jan 22 (NationPress) In a significant encounter in the Saranda forest area of Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, a total of 15 Maoists were neutralized, including the notorious leader Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da, who had a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head. This operation took place on Thursday, as reported by officials.
Michaelraj S., the Inspector General of Operations for Jharkhand Police, confirmed the elimination of Anal Da and several other Maoists, stating that an extensive search operation is ongoing in the vicinity.
Anal Da, hailing from Giridih district, was deeply involved in the Maoist insurgency for more than two decades and was recognized as a principal strategist.
His influence spanned across Giridih, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Khunti, Seraikela-Kharsawan, and West Singhbhum districts, significantly bolstering the Maoist presence in the Saranda and Kolhan regions.
Numerous serious criminal charges were filed against him, including violent attacks on security personnel, IED explosions, extortion, and intimidation of contractors.
The clash commenced early Thursday morning near Kumbhdih village under the jurisdiction of Chotanagra police station, as security forces launched a coordinated operation based on precise intelligence regarding Maoist activity. The Maoists, lying in wait, opened fire indiscriminately on the forces.
In response, the security personnel fought back and encircled the Maoists strategically. After several hours of intense gunfire, the forces gained the upper hand.
Anuranjan Kispotta, the DIG of the Kolhan division, stated that the operation is still in progress, and further details will be shared once it concludes.
According to Michaelraj S., the Maoists faced heavy losses during the encounter, with multiple bodies, advanced weaponry, ammunition, and everyday items recovered from the scene. The entire area has been secured, additional forces deployed, and senior police officials are overseeing the operation on the ground.
Gyanendra Pratap Singh, the Director General of the CRPF, recently conducted a high-level review meeting in Chaibasa to formulate strategies for effective action against Maoists. Following this meeting, substantial security forces from Jharkhand and Odisha were sent to the Saranda region.
The Saranda forest has historically been a stronghold for Maoists. Recent months have seen an uptick in anti-Maoist operations across the Chaibasa, Kolhan, and Porahat regions. In June 2025, four Maoists were killed in confrontations in the Tonto and Goilkera areas.
This operation marks the first major anti-Maoist action of 2026 and is viewed as a substantial victory for the security forces.
Point of View
I commend the swift and decisive action taken by security forces in Jharkhand. The elimination of key Maoist figures such as Anal Da not only showcases the efficacy of our law enforcement but also reinforces our commitment to eradicating extremism from our society. This operation serves as a crucial step towards restoring peace in affected regions.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the encounter in Saranda forest?
The encounter was prompted by specific intelligence inputs about Maoist presence in the Saranda forest area, leading security forces to launch a coordinated operation.
What is the significance of this operation?
This operation is seen as a major success against Maoist insurgency, marking the first significant anti-Maoist action of 2026 and potentially impacting the Maoist presence in the region.
How many Maoists were killed in the encounter?
A total of 15 Maoists were killed during the encounter, including the notorious leader Anal Da.
What are the ongoing actions following the encounter?
Post-encounter, security forces have cordoned off the area, deployed additional personnel, and are continuing search operations to ensure all Maoist threats are neutralized.
