Was Top Maoist Martin Kerketta with a Rs 15 Lakh Bounty Gunned Down in Jharkhand’s Gumla?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a crucial success for the Jharkhand Police, notorious Maoist leader Martin Kerketta was killed during a late-night encounter in Gumla district. This operation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against extremism in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Martin Kerketta was a prominent leader of the PLFI.
- A bounty of Rs 15 lakh was placed on his head.
- Kerketta was involved in over 70 cases of violence.
- The operation highlights the dedication of law enforcement.
- A search operation is underway to find other members of the group.
Gumla (Jharkhand), Aug 6 (NationPress) – In a significant operation, the Jharkhand Police successfully eliminated the notorious Maoist leader Martin Kerketta, who was the self-proclaimed chief of the outlawed group People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI), during a confrontation in Gumla district late on Tuesday night, as confirmed by officials on Wednesday.
Kerketta, who had a bounty of Rs 15 lakh on his head, was a feared presence across the districts of Gumla, Khunti, Simdega, Lohardaga, and Ranchi for almost two decades. He was wanted in connection with over 70 criminal cases involving acts of violence and extremism.
According to Gumla SP Haris Bin Zama, police acted on intelligence that an armed PLFI group led by Kerketta had infiltrated the Changabari Upartoli area under Kamdara police station with the intent to extort money from a local businessman.
In response, a specialized police team, including the district’s anti-Naxal Quick Response Team (QRT) and forces from two police stations, initiated a cordon-and-search operation.
Upon noticing the approaching police, Kerketta and his accomplices opened fire, leading to a fierce gunfight in which Kerketta was killed instantly. Various arms and ammunition were seized from the scene.
Post-encounter, a large-scale search operation commenced in the area to locate additional members of the group.
A native of Redma village in Kamdara, Kerketta had strong ties with former PLFI leader Dinesh Gop and had climbed the ranks within the organization.
He took charge of the PLFI after Gop's capture in Nepal two years ago and was also a member of the central committee. Kerketta was implicated in numerous high-profile violent incidents and extortion schemes.
Previously, he had managed to evade law enforcement during at least two separate encounters.
SP Haris Bin Zama remarked, “The elimination of PLFI chief Martin Kerketta, with a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head, marks a major victory for the Gumla police in our ongoing anti-Naxal efforts.”
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the efforts of the Jharkhand Police in their continuous fight against Naxalism. The elimination of a prominent Maoist leader like Martin Kerketta not only sends a strong message to extremist groups but also offers a glimmer of hope for the residents affected by decades of violence. This operation illustrates the importance of dedicated law enforcement in restoring peace and stability to the region.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Martin Kerketta?
Martin Kerketta was the self-styled chief of the People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI), a banned Maoist organization, and was a notorious figure wanted for numerous violent crimes.
What was the bounty on Kerketta's head?
The bounty on Martin Kerketta's head was Rs 15 lakh.
What led to Kerketta's encounter with the police?
Kerketta's encounter occurred after police received intelligence about an armed PLFI squad he was leading, which was reportedly attempting to extort money from a local businessman.
What impact does Kerketta's death have on the region?
The death of Martin Kerketta is seen as a significant success in the ongoing anti-Naxal campaign and may help in reducing the influence of extremist groups in Jharkhand.
How long had Kerketta been a wanted criminal?
Martin Kerketta had been a wanted criminal for nearly two decades, involved in over 70 cases of violent and extremist activities.
