Chaibasa: In one of the most decisive offensives against Left-Wing Extremism in Jharkhand in recent years, security forces have neutralized 16 Maoists during a massive anti-Naxal operation underway in the dense Saranda forests of West Singhbhum district. The operation entered its 30th hour on Friday and is still in progress.
The large-scale offensive, launched on Wednesday following specific intelligence inputs, involves nearly 1,500 personnel drawn from the CRPF’s elite CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), Jharkhand Jaguar, and the District Reserve Guard (DRG).
Fierce Encounter in Rugged Terrain
According to police sources, the encounter began when joint security forces moved into the Kolhan region to target a high-level Maoist meeting deep inside the forest. The extremists, reportedly lying in wait, opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle that continued intermittently through the night and into Friday morning.
The Saranda terrain, marked by thick forest cover, steep hills, and limited visibility, has made the operation particularly challenging.
Casualties and Arms Recovery
Though official confirmation of some identities is awaited, security sources said that 16 Maoists have been killed so far. Several among the deceased are believed to be senior cadres linked to the groups led by wanted Maoist commanders Ajay Mahto and Misir Besra.
A significant cache of arms and explosives has been recovered from the encounter site, including AK-47 rifles, INSAS rifles, ammunition, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), indicating the presence of heavily armed squads in the area.
Strategic Push Against Naxalism
Saranda forest—often referred to as the “Land of Seven Hundred Hills”—has long been considered a Maoist bastion due to its difficult terrain and strategic depth. The current operation is being viewed as part of the Union Government’s intensified campaign to eliminate Naxal influence nationwide by March 2026.
“The forces are operating with precision and courage under extremely hostile conditions,” a senior police official said. “The objective is to fully sanitize the region so that development and governance can reach the interior tribal areas without obstruction.”
Operation Continues
As of Friday afternoon, the entire area remains cordoned off. Additional reinforcements have been deployed, and aerial surveillance is being used to prevent escape routes. Security forces continue combing deeper forest pockets to trace remaining insurgents.
Residents of nearby villages have been advised to stay indoors as the search operation continues.
