Was Top Maoist Commander Manish Yadav Killed in a Jharkhand Encounter?

Synopsis
In a significant operation, police and security forces in Jharkhand have successfully killed top Maoist commander Manish Yadav, along with capturing another high-ranking Maoist. This encounter highlights the ongoing efforts to combat Maoist insurgency in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Manish Yadav was a prominent Maoist commander.
- The encounter occurred in Latehar district.
- Another Maoist leader, Kundan Kharwar, was arrested.
- The operation highlights ongoing anti-Maoist efforts.
- Intelligence-driven operations are crucial in combating insurgency.
Latehar (Jharkhand), May 26 (NationPress) - The CPI (Maoist) commander Manish Yadav, who had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh, was killed during a confrontation with police and security forces in the forests of Latehar district, Jharkhand, as reported by officials on Monday.
Another high-ranking Maoist, Kundan Kharwar, with a reward of Rs 10 lakh, was captured during this operation.
This encounter occurred in the Dauna and Karamkhar forest region under the jurisdiction of the Netarhat police station, spanning from late Sunday night into early Monday morning.
As stated by Latehar SP Kumar Gaurav, police had gathered intelligence regarding the movements of armed Maoist factions in the area.
Following this information, a coordinated effort by district police and security personnel initiated a search operation late Sunday night.
Upon their approach, the Maoists began firing. The security forces returned fire, resulting in an intense gunfight that lasted for nearly three hours. Once the shooting subsided, the body of the fallen Naxalite, later identified as Manish Yadav, was recovered.
During the subsequent combing operation, Kundan Kharwar, another prominent Maoist with a Rs 10 lakh bounty, was detained, and multiple weapons were confiscated from the encounter site.
Authorities indicated that the Maoist group had convened in the forest to strategize a significant attack.
This represents the second substantial achievement for Latehar Police in their ongoing anti-Maoist initiatives within a span of three days.
On May 24, during an encounter in the Ichwar forest, two Maoists - Pappu Lohara (with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh) and Prabhat Lohara (with a bounty of Rs 5 lakh) - were killed, and another injured rebel was apprehended.
These militants were reportedly linked to the outlawed group Jharkhand Sangharsh Mukti Morcha.
Earlier, on April 21, eight Maoists, including commander Prayag Manjhi - who had a reward of Rs 1 crore - were killed in a confrontation with police and security forces in the Lugu Hills of Bokaro district.