Chaibasa: A fierce encounter broke out early Thursday between Maoists and security forces in the Saranda forest region of West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, and remains ongoing.
While preliminary reports suggest that multiple Maoists were killed, officials have not yet confirmed casualty figures. Search operations are continuing, with sporadic gunfire still being reported from the area.
Kolhan Division DIG Anuranjan Kispotta confirmed the encounter and said detailed information would be released after the operation concludes. Authorities have cordoned off the region and deployed additional forces as a precaution.
Senior police and security officials are present at the site to supervise the operation. Jharkhand Police IG (Operations) Michaelraj S. stated that the exchange of fire has been continuing since morning and that Maoists have suffered heavy losses.
According to police, the operation was launched based on specific intelligence regarding Maoist movement near Kumbhdih village under Chotanagara police station limits. Maoists allegedly opened fire from an ambush, prompting an effective counter-operation by security forces.
The gun battle lasted several hours, with security forces reportedly gaining control of the situation. Sources claimed that a top Maoist leader with a Rs 50 lakh bounty and several associates were killed, though official confirmation is still pending.
Weapons, ammunition, and other materials were recovered along with multiple Maoist bodies. Those killed are believed to be wanted operatives carrying rewards in several cases.
Anti-Naxalite operations have intensified across Chaibasa and nearby areas in recent months. In June 2025, four Naxalites, including senior commanders, were killed in separate encounters. This incident marks the first Maoist encounter reported in Jharkhand in 2026.
With inputs from IANS