Jamshedpur: In a major breakthrough against Maoists ultras, a fierce encounter broke out between a joint team of the Jharkhand Police and the 209 Cobra Battalion of the CRPF and Naxalites in the dense Saranda forest area of West Singhbhum district. The operation took place in Kulapu Buru, under the jurisdiction of Jaraikela Police Station, where security forces launched a meticulously planned anti-Naxal operation based on intelligence inputs.
During the heavy exchange of fire, the Naxalites managed to retreat into the forest. Following the encounter, a massive search operation was conducted by the joint team, which led to the recovery of a large cache of sophisticated arms, ammunition, and explosives, along with incriminating Naxalite materials.
According to police sources, the seized items include two SLR rifles, one .303 rifle, 37 live AK-47 cartridges, 78 live SLR cartridges, 130 live .303 cartridges, magazines, gelatin explosives weighing over 16 kg, and 13 ready-to-use IEDs with detonators. The forces also recovered radio sets, interceptors, laptops, FM radios, and Naxalite literature, indicating the group’s continued attempts to regroup in the region.
Senior police officials confirmed that the seized items highlight the extensive preparation of the Naxalite outfit and their ongoing efforts to disrupt peace in the area. The operation, however, dealt a severe blow to their network in the Saranda region — once considered a Naxal stronghold.
West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Amit Renu stated that the anti-Naxal campaign would continue until the area is completely free from extremist influence. “The recovery of such a large quantity of weapons and explosives is a clear sign that the security forces are tightening their grip on extremist activities in Jharkhand. Our operations will continue relentlessly,” the SP said.
Security forces have intensified combing operations in the adjoining areas of Saranda to trace fleeing extremists and dismantle any remaining hideouts. The recovery marks one of the most significant seizures in recent months, underscoring the success of coordinated intelligence and joint action between the Jharkhand Police and CRPF.
Authorities confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify the specific Naxalite groups involved in the encounter.
