Did Jharkhand Police Just Take Down Two Notorious Maoists?
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Synopsis
In a decisive encounter in Latehar, Jharkhand, police successfully neutralized two Maoists, including a wanted operative with a significant bounty. This development underscores the ongoing efforts to combat Maoist activities in the region. Discover the details of this operation and its implications for security in Jharkhand.
Key Takeaways
- Two Maoists killed in a police encounter in Latehar.
- Pappu Lohara was a notorious figure with a Rs 10 lakh bounty.
- Police recovered an AK-47 rifle and other weapons.
- The operation reflects ongoing efforts to combat Maoist insurgency.
- Authorities are intensifying their anti-Naxal operations.
Latehar, May 24 (NationPress) In a significant operation, two Maoists, including a notorious figure with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh, were eliminated during a confrontation with police in the Ichwar forest region of Jharkhand's Latehar district on Saturday morning, as reported by officials.
The first individual identified is Pappu Lohara, a wanted Maoist with numerous criminal cases registered against him in various police stations throughout the state.
The second casualty has been recognized as Prabhat Lohara. Both were affiliated with the outlawed group Jharkhand Sangharsh Mukti Morcha (JSMM).
Acting on precise intelligence regarding Maoist activity in the area, a coordinated operation was initiated by a team of police and security forces, headed by Superintendent of Police (SP) Kumar Gaurav, early on Saturday.
At approximately 8 a.m., the team encountered a faction of armed Maoists in the Ichwar forest, resulting in a violent exchange of gunfire.
During the clash, two Maoists were killed, while several others fled, taking advantage of the thick foliage. A search operation is currently in progress, with the area secured.
Law enforcement recovered an arsenal of weapons at the scene, including an AK-47 rifle and other materials linked to Maoist activities. Authorities suspect that the Maoist faction had congregated to plan a substantial assault in the vicinity.
Previously, Pappu Lohara had been implicated in numerous violent confrontations. Noteworthy was an incident on September 28, 2021, when his group clashed with security personnel in the Salaiya forest of Latehar, leading to the death of BSF Deputy Commandant Rajesh Kumar. One Maoist was also killed during that altercation.
This latest operation follows a significant success on April 21 in Jharkhand, where eight Maoists, including top commander Prayag Manjhi, who had a Rs 1 crore bounty on his head, were killed in a confrontation in the Lugu hill region of Bokaro district.
The Jharkhand Police, in collaboration with central security forces, are intensifying their anti-Naxal operations across the state.
Point of View
I affirm our commitment to unbiased reporting. The recent encounter in Latehar emphasizes the persistent challenges posed by Maoist insurgency in Jharkhand. We must recognize the complex socio-political factors involved while supporting the efforts of law enforcement to maintain peace and security in the region.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the encounter in Latehar?
The encounter was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding Maoist movements in the Ichwar forest area, prompting a coordinated police operation.
Who were the Maoists involved in the encounter?
The deceased Maoists have been identified as Pappu Lohara and Prabhat Lohara, both affiliated with the banned Jharkhand Sangharsh Mukti Morcha.
What weapons were recovered from the encounter site?
Security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle and other materials associated with Maoist activities during the encounter.
How are authorities responding to Maoist activities in Jharkhand?
Jharkhand Police, alongside central security forces, are intensifying anti-Naxal operations to combat the ongoing insurgency.
What has been the impact of previous operations against Maoists?
Previous operations have led to significant successes, including the elimination of top commanders, which has contributed to the weakening of Maoist groups in the region.
