Jamshedpur: In one of the biggest anti-Maoist operations in recent years, top CPI-Maoist leader Patiram Majhi alias Anal Da, who was carrying a bounty of ₹1 crore, was among more than 15 Maoists killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in the Saranda Forest of West Singhbhum district on Thursday morning.
An official communique issued by the Police Headquarters said: “ This morning, January 22, 2026, at approximately 6:00 AM, an encounter took place between a Maoist group and armed security forces in the Chaibasa district. The encounter is still ongoing. During the search operation, 15 bodies were recovered along with a large quantity of weapons and daily use items. One of the deceased has been identified as top Maoist leader Anal Da alias Patiram Manjhi, a CCM (carrying a reward of one crore rupees). Further details will be provided separately in a press conference”.
According to information, the encounter broke out during a well-planned early-morning anti-insurgency operation in the dense and inaccessible forest areas falling under the Chhotanagra and Jeraikela police station limits, nearly 180 km from Jamshedpur. Acting on precise intelligence inputs about the presence of senior Maoist leaders and armed cadres in the Saranda region, security forces launched a coordinated operation to neutralize the threat.
A joint team comprising the CRPF’s elite CoBRA unit, Jharkhand Jaguar, and district police advanced into the forest terrain when Maoists, allegedly lying in wait, opened indiscriminate fire. The forces immediately took strategic positions and retaliated, leading to a prolonged and intense exchange of gunfire that continued for several hours. Intermittent firing was reported till noon, creating panic among Maoist ranks.
Sources said the security forces gradually gained the upper hand, forcing several Maoist cadres to retreat deeper into the forest. Taking advantage of the thick foliage, some of them managed to flee. However, multiple bodies of Maoists were reportedly found at the encounter site, along with a large cache of arms, ammunition, and other materials, indicating the scale of the operation.
Following the encounter, the entire area has been cordoned off and a massive search and combing operation is underway to track down fleeing insurgents and recover additional weapons. Senior police and paramilitary officers are personally monitoring the post-encounter operations, given the strategic importance of the region.
Saranda forest and the wider Kolhan belt have long been regarded as a core stronghold of CPI-Maoists, sheltering several high-ranking leaders and serving as a base for armed activities. Anal Da was considered a key figure in Maoist operations in Jharkhand and neighbouring states, and his elimination is expected to deal a severe blow to the outfit’s leadership and operational capabilities.
Security agencies believe the successful operation reflects improved intelligence coordination and sustained pressure on Maoist networks in the state.
