16
Chaibasa/Ranchi, Jan 23 (IANS) A woman Maoist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jharkhand’s Saranda forest on Friday morning, marking another success in the ongoing anti-Naxal operation, officials said.
The exchange of fire took place between Kumdi and Hinjodiri villages in the Kiriburu police station area of West Singhbhum district, a region long affected by Maoist activity. With this development, the number of Maoists killed in the current operation has climbed to 16.
On Thursday, security forces neutralised 15 Maoists in a fierce gun battle in the same forest zone. Among those killed was Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da, a senior CPI (Maoist) leader and Central Committee member carrying a reward of Rs 1 crore. Five women Maoists were also among those eliminated.
CRPF Inspector General Saket Kumar Singh said the encounter occurred during Operation Medha Buru, conducted by a joint team of CoBRA commandos, Jharkhand Jaguar, CRPF and district police. He said Maoists opened fire on the advancing forces, who responded to protect themselves.
Following the prolonged exchange, security personnel recovered bodies, weapons, ammunition and other materials from the site. Several of the slain Maoists were wanted in numerous criminal cases and carried substantial rewards announced by different agencies.
Officials believe the killing of Anal Da will have a major impact on Maoist activities in the Jharkhand–Odisha border areas. Meanwhile, intensive search operations are underway across Saranda, and remaining Maoist cadres have been urged to surrender under the state’s rehabilitation policy.
With inputs from IANS