KUMUD JENAMANI
Jamshedpur, Jan 22: Top CPI-Maoist leader Patiram Majhi alias Anal Da, who carried a bounty of ₹1 crore, was among 15 Maoists killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in the Saranda Forest of West Singhbhum district on Thursday morning, sources said. Official confirmation of the casualty figures is awaited.
The encounter erupted during an early-morning anti-insurgency operation in the dense forest areas under Chhotanagra and Jeraikela police stations, about 180 km from Jamshedpur.
Joint Operation by CRPF, CoBRA and Jharkhand Police
According to police sources, security agencies received precise intelligence about a Maoist gathering in the Saranda region. Acting on the input, a joint team of CRPF’s CoBRA unit, Jharkhand Jaguar, and district police launched the operation.
As the forces moved into the forest, Maoists, who were allegedly lying in ambush, opened heavy fire. The security forces took defensive positions and retaliated with superior firepower, triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
Encounter Continued for Several Hours
The encounter lasted for several hours, with intermittent firing reported till noon. Sources said security forces gained the upper hand, following which some Maoists fled using the dense forest cover.
The entire area has been cordoned off, and a massive search operation is underway to trace fleeing cadres and recover arms and ammunition.
Saranda Remains Maoist Stronghold
Saranda and the wider Kolhan region have long been considered Maoist strongholds, with several top CPI-Maoist leaders active in the area.
Senior police officers are currently engaged in post-encounter operations. The final number of casualties will be announced after the completion of searches.
