Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi

Ranchi, Jan 22: In a significant development, several Maoists, including one carrying a bounty of Rs 50 lakh, were killed in an encounter with security forces near Kumbadih village under Chotanagra police station in the Saranda forests on Thursday.

While official figures on casualties are yet to be confirmed, local sources reported that at least four Maoists lost their lives in the intense gunfire exchange that began early morning.

Police sources stated that security forces were conducting a search operation in the dense Saranda jungles as part of an ongoing anti-Maoist drive when the ultras, lying in ambush, opened fire. The forces retaliated, leading to a fierce and prolonged exchange.

A statement from Jharkhand Police headquarters said, “An encounter between the police and Maoists is underway in the Saranda forest area of Chaibasa. Intermittent firing continues from both sides. Detailed information will be shared periodically.”

Continuous gunfire from the forest has created panic in nearby villages, with residents expressing fear and anxiety over the prolonged clash. Kolhan Division DIG Anuranjan Kispotta confirmed the encounter, adding that further details would be released only after the operation concludes.

The Saranda region, known for its rugged terrain and dense forests, has long been a Maoist stronghold. Security forces have cordoned off the entire area and are conducting an intensive search operation, exercising extreme caution as Maoists are known to have planted numerous IEDs.

Maoist activity in Jharkhand is now largely concentrated in the Saranda jungles after their elimination from other parts of the state. A joint security operation has been ongoing in the Kolhan and Saranda areas since November 2022, following intelligence reports of top Maoist leaders, including senior CPI (Maoist) commander Misir Besra, who carries a bounty of Rs 1 crore.