In a major crackdown on Left-wing extremism, security forces eliminated senior CPI-Maoist leader Patiram Majhi, also known as Anal Da, during a large-scale anti-insurgency operation in Jharkhand’s Saranda Forest on Thursday. Anal Da, who carried a reward of Rs 1 crore on his head, was among more than 15 Maoists killed in a gun battle with security personnel in West Singhbhum district.
In an official statement released by Police Headquarters, authorities confirmed that an encounter began around 6 a.m. on Thursday in the Chaibasa region.
The statement said that security forces recovered 15 bodies during subsequent search operations, along with a substantial cache of arms and materials used by the insurgents. One of the deceased was identified as Anal Da, a central committee member of the CPI-Maoist. Officials added that the operation was continuing and further details would be shared soon.
The exchange of fire reportedly erupted during a carefully planned early-morning operation in the dense and difficult terrain under the Chhotanagra and Jeraikela police station areas, about 180 kilometres from Jamshedpur.
Security forces had launched the operation following specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of senior Maoist leaders and armed cadres in the Saranda region.
A combined force consisting of the CRPF’s CoBRA commandos, Jharkhand Jaguar, and district police teams moved into the forest when they came under heavy fire from Maoists believed to have been positioned in an ambush.
The forces swiftly responded, triggering a prolonged firefight that lasted for several hours. Sporadic firing was reported until noon, indicating the intensity of the clash.
Officials said security forces eventually gained control of the situation, compelling several Maoist cadres to withdraw deeper into the forest. While some insurgents managed to escape using the dense cover, multiple Maoist bodies and a large quantity of weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, underlining the scale of the encounter.
After the gun battle, the area was sealed off, and extensive search and combing operations were launched to trace fleeing militants and recover additional arms. Senior police and paramilitary officers are closely supervising the operation due to the strategic sensitivity of the region.
The Saranda Forest and the broader Kolhan region have historically been considered strongholds of the CPI-Maoist, providing shelter to top leaders and serving as a hub for armed activities.
Anal Da was regarded as a key operative in Maoist operations across Jharkhand and neighbouring states. His death is expected to significantly weaken the organisation’s leadership structure and operational strength.
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