Was Top Maoist Commander Tulsi Bhuiyan Killed in Jharkhand’s Palamu Encounter?

Synopsis
A significant victory for security forces unfolds as top Maoist commander Tulsi Bhuiyan is killed in an encounter in Jharkhand's Palamu district. This operation follows a series of successful strikes against Maoist leaders, showcasing the commitment of law enforcement in tackling insurgency.
Key Takeaways
- Tulsi Bhuiyan was a significant target in Maoist operations.
- Security forces have successfully neutralized multiple Maoist leaders.
- Ongoing operations highlight the commitment of law enforcement.
- Search operations are underway to apprehend additional Maoists.
- Collaboration between police and CRPF is crucial in these encounters.
Palamu, May 27 (NationPress) – In a significant achievement for the security forces, they have successfully neutralized top Maoist commander Tulsi Bhuiyan in the Palamu district, marking the second day of ongoing anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand, officials reported on Tuesday.
The intense encounter commenced on Monday night in the Hussainabad subdivision and extended into Tuesday.
An SLR rifle was seized from the site of the clash, which continued into the morning hours, with unverified reports indicating that several other Maoists might have sustained injuries or been killed.
Security forces have initiated a comprehensive search operation in the vicinity.
High-ranking officials, including Palamu Superintendent of Police (SP) Rishma Rameshan and senior CRPF officers, are actively overseeing the situation.
As per an official, the operation was instigated based on intelligence regarding the presence of Maoist commander Nitesh—who has a bounty of Rs 15 lakh—and his squad in Sitachuan, a wooded area on the borders of Mohammadganj and Haidernagar police station jurisdictions.
Sanjay Godram, another Maoist with a Rs 10 lakh bounty, is also thought to be involved with this group.
As police and security forces approached the area, the Maoists opened fire, leading to a counterattack from the forces.
This encounter follows a similar operation in the Netarhat police station area of the adjacent Latehar district, where Maoist commander Manish Yadav, who had a Rs 5 lakh bounty, was killed.
Additionally, another Maoist, Kundan Kharwar, with a Rs 10 lakh reward, was apprehended during this operation.
On May 24, in an encounter within the Ichwar forest of Latehar, Maoists Pappu Lohara (with a Rs 10 lakh bounty) and Prabhat Lohara (with a Rs 5 lakh bounty) were killed, and another injured Maoist was captured.
Previously, on April 21, eight Maoists, including commander Prayag Manjhi—who has a Rs 1 crore reward—were eliminated in a significant operation by security forces in the Lugu Hill area of Lalpania in Bokaro district.