A major anti Maoist operation took place on Thursday in the dense Saranda forest of West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand, where security forces and Maoist rebels were involved in a fierce gun battle. The encounter resulted in the death of 15 Maoists, including one of the most wanted leaders of the banned extremist group.
According to official sources, the operation was conducted jointly by the CoBRA unit of the Central Reserve Police Force, the elite Jharkhand Jaguar force, and the district police. The forces had launched a planned combing operation in the forest area following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of senior Maoist leaders in the region.
Saranda forest, known for its difficult terrain and dense vegetation, has long been considered a stronghold of Maoist activities. The area spreads across a large part of West Singhbhum and has often been used by Maoist groups as a safe hideout due to its remoteness and challenging geography. Security forces have been carrying out regular operations here to weaken the Maoist network.
On Thursday morning, as the joint team of security personnel moved deeper into the forest, they were suddenly fired upon by armed Maoists. The security forces immediately took defensive positions and returned fire. What followed was an intense exchange of gunfire that continued for several hours.
Senior officials said the encounter was one of the biggest in recent times in Jharkhand. After the firing stopped, security forces carried out a thorough search of the area. During this search, the bodies of 15 Maoists were recovered from the spot.
Among those killed was Anil Da, also known as Patiram Majhi, a top Maoist leader and a member of the central committee of the organisation. He was considered one of the most influential Maoist commanders in the region and was involved in planning and executing several violent attacks against security forces.
The Jharkhand Police had announced a reward of ₹1 crore on Anil Da’s head, making him one of the most wanted Maoist leaders in the country. His death is being seen as a major blow to the Maoist movement in Jharkhand and neighbouring states.
Security officials said Anil Da played a key role in strengthening Maoist operations in the Saranda region. He was known for recruiting local youth, collecting funds, and coordinating armed actions against government forces. His elimination is expected to weaken the command structure of Maoists operating in the area.
During the encounter, a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and Maoist documents was also recovered. Officials said the seized materials will help security agencies gain further information about Maoist networks and future plans.
No major injuries were reported among the security forces, which officials described as a significant achievement considering the intensity of the gunfight. Medical teams were kept on standby throughout the operation as a precautionary measure.
Top police and CRPF officials praised the coordination between different units involved in the operation. They said such joint actions are essential to deal with the Maoist challenge, especially in forested and remote regions like Saranda.
The Jharkhand government also welcomed the success of the operation. Senior state officials said the encounter showed the commitment of security forces to restore peace and development in areas affected by left wing extremism.
For many years, Maoist violence has affected parts of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Bihar. The group claims to fight for the rights of tribal communities but has often been accused of using violence, extortion, and fear to maintain control over villages.
Security experts believe that the killing of senior leaders like Anil Da can significantly reduce Maoist influence in the region. However, they also stressed that development work and trust building among local communities are equally important to ensure long term peace.
Following the encounter, security has been tightened across West Singhbhum district to prevent any possible retaliation by Maoist groups. Additional forces have been deployed, and search operations are continuing to ensure that no armed rebels remain in the area.
Officials said the situation is under control and normal life has not been affected in nearby villages. Local administration teams are also monitoring the area closely.
The Saranda encounter marks another important step in the ongoing fight against Maoism in India. With the elimination of key leaders and sustained operations, security forces hope to further weaken the extremist network and bring stability to the region.
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