At least 15 Maoists, including top leader Anal Da, killed in Jharkhand encounter

At least 15 Maoists were killed on Thursday in a fierce gun battle with security forces in the Saranda forest of West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand , police officials confirmed. Among those killed was senior Communist Party of India (Maoist) leader Patiram Majhi, alias Anal Da , who carried a bounty of ₹1 crore on his head. Another Maoist suspected to have been carrying a ₹50 lakh bounty was also reported killed in the operation.

The encounter began early Thursday morning near Kumbhdih village under the Chotanagra police station limits after a joint security operation, based on intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres, triggered a prolonged exchange of fire with insurgents who were reportedly lying in ambush. Security forces, including units from the CRPF’s Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) along with Jharkhand police and other central forces, retaliated, resulting in heavy firing that lasted for several hours. Bodies of 15 Maoists were recovered along with a large cache of arms and ammunition .

Inspector General of Police (Operations) Michael Raj S confirmed the death of Anal Da along with other Maoists and said the operation is continuing as search teams comb the area for any additional weapons or insurgents. He said the joint anti‑Maoist operation, which began earlier in the week, intensified on Thursday following specific information about the armed group’s movements.

Anal Da was regarded as one of the most wanted Maoist leaders in the region, with influence across multiple districts including Giridih, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Khunti, Seraikela‑Kharsawan, and West Singhbhum . His death dealt a significant blow to the insurgent leadership structure in Jharkhand, where Maoist activity has been largely restricted to the Saranda and Kolhan forest belts despite ongoing security efforts.

Continuous gunfire reported from deep inside the dense forest in the early morning prompted panic among residents of nearby villages, and security forces have cordoned off the entire area as they proceed cautiously amid fears of improvised explosive devices planted by Maoists. Authorities termed the encounter a major success in efforts to weaken left‑wing extremist networks in the state, with further details expected once the operation concludes.