Security Forces Kill Four Maoists in Jharkhand Encounter

Ranchi (IANS): Security forces gunned down four dreaded Maoists, including commander Sahdev Mahto, during a fierce encounter on the Chatra-Hazaribagh district border on Friday. Mahto carried a ₹15 lakh reward on his head and allegedly masterminded several major attacks in the region.

Jharkhand Police Headquarters confirmed that the joint team of local police and security forces acted on precise intelligence from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). When the forces launched a cordon-and-search operation and cornered the squad, the Maoists opened fire. The security personnel retaliated, killing four insurgents on the spot during an intense gunfight that lasted several hours.

Following the encounter, security forces recovered two AK-47 rifles, sophisticated weaponry, ammunition, and Maoist literature from the site.

In a separate, high-stakes development, security forces have surrounded another Maoist squad in the Saranda forest near Baliba village. Reports indicate that the group may include Misir Besra—a top leader carrying a ₹1 crore bounty—along with over 100 other cadres.

Chaibasa Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Renu stated that the Saranda operation remains underway. Authorities have sealed all escape routes and deployed aerial surveillance to track the insurgents. This escalation follows three days of heavy conflict in West Singhbhum, where IED blasts and gunfire have already injured six security personnel.