Jharkhand Police Releases Fresh ‘Most-Wanted’ Naxal List

Heavy Bounties Announced on Top Maoist Operatives Linked to Late Commander Kishanji

Jamshedpur: In a major offensive against Left-Wing Extremism, the Jharkhand Police has released a fresh list of wanted Naxal operatives carrying heavy cash rewards, intensifying the state’s ongoing crackdown on Maoist networks active in forested and border regions.

Senior police officials stated that several names featured in the updated list are believed to be closely linked to the late top Maoist commander Mallojula Koteswara Rao alias “Kishanji,” who was killed during a security operation in 2011.

Focus on Remaining Maoist Network

Security agencies believe the listed cadres are among the last remaining senior operatives attempting to revive Maoist influence in pockets of Kolhan, Saranda, Porahat, and adjoining border areas of Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.

According to intelligence officials, many of these operatives possess extensive knowledge of forest terrain, guerrilla warfare tactics, and underground communication networks established during the peak years of insurgency.

Police sources said the fresh list is aimed at dismantling the residual command structure of the banned CPI (Maoist) organization.

Rewards Up to ₹1 Crore Announced

The state government has announced cash rewards ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore for information leading to the arrest or neutralization of listed Naxal leaders.

Officials assured that the identities of informants would remain completely confidential.

Security agencies have also intensified coordination with neighboring state police forces to monitor inter-state Maoist movement and suspected hideouts.

Joint Operations Intensified in Forest Zones

The latest development comes amid intensified anti-Naxal operations being conducted jointly by the Jharkhand Police and CRPF CoBRA battalions in dense forest areas.

Over the past year, security forces have reportedly carried out several successful operations leading to the recovery of weapons, explosives, detonators, and communication equipment from Maoist hideouts.

Sources indicated that the operational strength of Maoist groups in Jharkhand has reduced significantly due to sustained pressure from security agencies.

Saranda and Porahat Remain Key Focus Areas

Officials identified the Saranda forest region, Porahat area, and West Singhbhum border corridors as key focus zones for ongoing operations.

Security personnel are maintaining heightened surveillance in these sensitive pockets to prevent regrouping attempts by insurgent cadres.

Government Reiterates Surrender Appeal

Alongside security measures, the Jharkhand Government has once again appealed to active Maoist cadres to surrender and join the mainstream under the state’s rehabilitation policy.

Officials stated that surrendered cadres are eligible for financial assistance, rehabilitation support, educational benefits for children, and livelihood opportunities.

Police authorities emphasized that the state remains committed to both maintaining security and accelerating development in previously insurgency-affected regions.

Development Seen as Long-Term Solution

Security experts believe that while tactical operations have weakened Maoist networks considerably, long-term peace in affected areas will depend on infrastructure growth, education, healthcare, employment generation, and stronger governance in remote villages.

Officials added that development initiatives across forest and tribal belts are being accelerated to prevent extremist organizations from regaining influence among local communities.