Was a Woman Maoist Killed in a New Encounter in Jharkhand’s Saranda Forest?
Synopsis
In a critical operation against Maoist insurgents in Jharkhand's Saranda forest, security forces achieved a significant victory by eliminating a female Maoist during a recent encounter. This development raises the total number of Maoists killed to 16, reflecting the ongoing efforts to combat Naxal activities in the region.
Key Takeaways
A woman Maoist was killed in a recent encounter in Jharkhand.
The total number of Maoists killed in the operation has risen to 16 .
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat Naxalism in the region.
Patiram Manjhi, alias Anal Da, was a high-profile target with a Rs 1 crore bounty.
Security forces are conducting extensive searches across the Saranda region.
Chaibasa/Ranchi, Jan 23 (NationPress) In a significant triumph for security forces engaged in the anti-Naxal campaign in Jharkhand’s Saranda forest, a woman Maoist was eliminated in a recent encounter on Friday morning, according to officials. The gunfire erupted between the isolated villages of Kumdi and Hinjodiri, located in the Naxal-affected West Singhbhum district.
This incident marks the total number of Maoists killed in the ongoing operation at 16.
On Thursday, 15 Maoists were neutralized, including Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da, a Central Committee member of the CPI (Maoist) with a bounty of Rs 1 crore. This clash occurred in the thick foliage of the Saranda forest, with five of the deceased being women.
CRPF Inspector General Saket Kumar Singh reported that the encounter was part of Operation Medha Buru, initiated around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday by a joint task force comprising 209 CoBRA, Jharkhand Jaguar, CRPF, and local police. According to him, Anal Da’s armed group opened fire indiscriminately, prompting the forces to respond in self-defense.
Following numerous phases of gunfire, the bodies of 15 Maoists were retrieved along with a substantial arsenal of weapons, ammunition, and everyday items from the site on Thursday.
The deceased included Anmol alias Sushant (BJSA), Amit Munda (RCM), Pintu Lohra, Laljit alias Lalu, Rajesh Munda, Bulbul Alda, Babita, Purnima, Surajmuni, and Jonga.
Many of these individuals had substantial bounties placed on them by the governments of Jharkhand and Odisha, as well as the NIA, and were implicated in numerous serious Naxalite-related offenses.
Anal alias Patiram Manjhi, a resident from the Pirtand police precinct in Giridih district, was wanted with a reward of Rs 1 crore in Jharkhand, Rs 1.2 crore in Odisha, and Rs 15 lakh as announced by the NIA. He faced 149 criminal cases.
Security agencies disclosed that his squad was responsible for several IED explosions and violent incidents across the Kolhan and Saranda regions of Chaibasa since 2022. IG Singh mentioned that the demise of Anal Da would significantly affect Maoist operations along the Jharkhand-Odisha border.
In the aftermath of the encounter, security forces estimate that the number of active Maoists in Jharkhand has dwindled to between 50 and 60. The Jharkhand Police have urged remaining members to surrender under the state’s rehabilitation initiative.
Currently, an extensive search operation is in progress throughout the Saranda region, with additional forces deployed.
Point of View
I affirm that the ongoing operations against Maoist insurgents are crucial for restoring peace and security in Jharkhand. The killing of a prominent Maoist figure is a significant blow to their operations, and it underscores the commitment of our security forces to combat Naxalism effectively. We stand firm in support of these efforts for a safer India.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the recent encounter in Jharkhand?
The encounter was part of the ongoing anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand's Saranda forest, aimed at dismantling Maoist activities in the region.
How many Maoists have been killed in the operation?
As of now, a total of 16 Maoists have been killed in the ongoing operations.
Who was the prominent Maoist figure killed?
The prominent figure killed was Patiram Manjhi, alias Anal Da, a Central Committee member of the CPI (Maoist) with a reward of Rs 1 crore.
What is the current status of Maoist presence in Jharkhand?
Security agencies estimate that the number of active Maoists in Jharkhand has reduced to between 50 and 60 following these operations.
What actions have been taken by the police post-encounter?
Following the encounter, the Jharkhand Police have appealed to remaining Maoists to surrender under the state government’s rehabilitation policy.
