In a fresh attempt to reassert their presence, CPI (Maoist) cadres carried out two coordinated incidents in West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand late on Wednesday night — blocking a key rural road and damaging a mobile communication tower.
Police said the insurgents obstructed the Manoharpur–Jaraikela road by felling large trees and scattering forest debris in the Manoharpur block. Villagers discovered the blockade early on Thursday, finding movement completely stalled.
Maoist posters, written in red ink and bearing the group’s insignia, were found nailed to trees and electric poles, threatening security forces and accusing the government of “anti-tribal exploitation.”
The handwritten leaflets warned of “dire consequences” if anti-Naxal operations continued in the forested belts of Kolhan. Officials believe the act was a deliberate attempt to spread fear ahead of the Ghatshila Assembly by-election, scheduled in the coming weeks.
A joint team of police and CRPF personnel reached the site soon after receiving the alert from locals. The road was cleared after several hours of effort, and the recovered posters were sent for forensic examination.
Also Read : Abujhmad, North Bastar free from Naxal terror: Amit Shah
“This seems to be a symbolic move to announce their presence during the election period,” said a senior police officer posted in Chaibasa.
In a separate but possibly linked incident, Maoist cadres targeted a mobile communication tower deep inside the Saranda Forest, partially damaging its structure and disrupting connectivity in nearby villages.
Posters left behind at the site denounced government policies and warned of intensified attacks if operations persisted.
Security officials suspect the Maoists are trying to regain lost ground in the Saranda and Kolhan forests, once considered strongholds of the banned organisation. Recent encounters and surrenders had weakened their network, but these incidents indicate an effort to regroup.
Patrolling and combing operations have been intensified across Manoharpur, Goelkera, and Tonto blocks. Authorities have urged villagers to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious movement as forces work to prevent further escalation of violence in the region.
Follow us
