West Singhbhum, 22 January (H.S.): A fierce encounter erupted on Thursday morning between security forces and cadres of the banned CPI (Maoist) in the dense and rugged Saranda forests of Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district.The clash unfolded in the Chhotanagara police station area, where intense gunfire exchange continued for several hours from both sides.
Security forces, including the CoBRA unit of CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguar, and district police, launched a joint search operation following specific intelligence about Maoist presence in the area. As the teams approached suspected Naxal hideouts near Kumbhdih village, the Maoists, sensing encirclement, unleashed indiscriminate firing.
The security personnel retaliated effectively, gaining the upper hand in the prolonged firefight.
Preliminary reports indicate that several Maoists, possibly up to half a dozen including top commanders like Patiram Majhi alias Anal-da and Lalchand Hembram alias Anmol, may have been killed, though official confirmation remains pending. Overwhelmed by the response, the surviving Naxals exploited the thick jungle and hilly terrain to flee.Post-encounter, forces cordoned off the region and intensified large-scale searches.
IG (Operations) Michael Raj S confirmed the ongoing encounter, stating that exchanges of fire persisted since morning with heavy losses inflicted on the Maoists. Kolhan DIG Anuranjan Kispotta also verified the clash in Saranda, noting that details on casualties would follow once operations conclude.
The Saranda and Kolhan regions have long been Maoist strongholds, harboring top leaders such as Misir Besra, Anmol, Mocho, Anal, Asim Mandal, Ajay Mahto, Sagen Angaria, Ashwin, Pintu Lohra, Chandan Lohra, Amit Hansda alias Apton, Jaykant, and Rapa Munda with their squads. This operation underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle Naxal networks in these challenging terrains.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
