Jharkhand: Senior commanders among at least 15 Maoists killed in West Singhbhum encounter

Ranchi: According to police, at least 15 Maoists, including top commanders, have been killed in an exchange of fire between security forces and Maoists in the Saranda forests of West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand. The encounter began on Thursday morning. The security forces are being led by a team of commandos from the 209th Battalion of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA).

Jharkhand IG (Operations) Michael Raj and Kolhan DIG Anuranjan Kispotta have confirmed the encounter and stated that the Maoist commanders have suffered heavy losses. They said that the exact number of casualties can only be confirmed after the operation is over.

How did the encounter start?

According to initial information, a joint force of CRPF and state police, led by the CoBRA 209 Battalion, was on an anti-Maoist operation near Kumbadih village in the Saranda forest early Thursday morning. It was then that Maoist squads led by Patiram Manjhi alias Anal-da and Lalchand Hembram alias Anmol opened fire on them. In the ensuing exchange of fire, more than half a dozen Maoist commanders have been killed, including one commander who had a bounty of Rs 50 lakh on his head.

What has the police said on the Maoist encounter?

Jharkhand IG (Operations) Michael Raj said that the Maoists have suffered heavy losses and the firing is still continuing. Additional forces have been sent to block all escape routes, and a search operation has also been launched. Further details are awaited.

Kispotta said that the operation is ongoing in a geographically very challenging area within the Saranda forest. A high alert has been issued throughout the Saranda reserved forest area. Detailed information will be available only after the operation is completed.

Notably, CRPF Director General (Operations) Gyanendra Pratap Singh had finalized the roadmap for the final assault on the banned CPI (Maoist) squads, led by Central Committee members Misir Besra alias Nirbhay, Asim Mandal alias Timir, and Patiram Manjhi alias Analda, during a strategy meeting in Chaibasa on Monday.