Daijiworld Media Network - Chaibasa
Chaibasa, Jan 22: At least 15 Maoists, including senior leader Patiram Manjhi, alias Anal Da, who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore, were killed in a fierce gunbattle with security forces in Jharkhand's Saranda forest, West Singhbhum district, officials confirmed on Thursday.
Michaelraj S., Jharkhand Police IG (Operations), stated that Anal Da and several other cadres lost their lives during the operation. A large-scale search and security sweep remain underway in the area.
A native of Giridih district, Anal Da had been an active Maoist for over two decades and was considered a key strategist of the movement. His influence reportedly spanned Giridih, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Khunti, Seraikela-Kharsawan, and West Singhbhum districts, and he played a central role in consolidating the Maoist presence in Saranda and Kolhan regions. Dozens of criminal cases, including attacks on security forces, IED blasts, extortion, and threats to contractors, had been registered against him.
The encounter began near Kumbhdih village under Chotanagra police limits early Thursday, following specific intelligence about Maoist activity in the area. The militants, reportedly lying in ambush, opened fire on the security forces, who retaliated and gradually surrounded them. After several hours of heavy exchange, the forces gained the upper hand.
Kolhan division DIG Anuranjan Kispotta noted that the operation is still ongoing, and further details will be released once the mission concludes. Security personnel have recovered multiple bodies along with sophisticated weapons, ammunition, and other items from the site. The area has been fully cordoned off, with reinforcements deployed, and senior officials closely monitoring the operation.
The operation follows a high-level review by CRPF director general Gyanendra Pratap Singh in Chaibasa, after which joint forces from Jharkhand and Odisha were deployed to Saranda for decisive anti-Maoist action. The Saranda forest has historically been a Maoist stronghold, and operations in the region have intensified over recent months. In June 2025, four Maoists were killed in encounters in nearby Tonto and Goilkera areas.
This marks the first major anti-Maoist success of 2026 and is being seen as a significant achievement for security forces operating in the region.