New Delhi: A major breakthrough has been reported in the ongoing campaign against Maoist violence in Jharkhand, with the killing of a senior Maoist leader carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore during a joint security operation in West Singhbhum district. The operation was carried out by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force and Jharkhand Police in the forested region near Chaibasa.
The neutralised Maoist leader has been identified as Patiram Manjhi, also known by his alias Anal, who was a member of the Maoist Central Committee. Authorities described the operation as a significant step towards eliminating extremist influence from the region. Security forces are continuing combing operations in the area, as the encounter took place deep inside the Saranda forest zone, which has long been considered a stronghold of Maoist activity.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the operation as a major success in the national effort to make affected regions free from Maoism. He reiterated the central government’s firm resolve to completely eliminate the threat of Naxal violence, which has plagued several states for decades, and reaffirmed the target of achieving this objective before March 31, 2026. He also appealed to remaining Maoist cadres to abandon violence and return to the mainstream, stressing that development and peace remain the government’s priority.
Police officials confirmed that the encounter resulted in the death of the top Maoist leader and that the total number of Maoists neutralised during the operation is still being verified. The operation remains active, with additional forces deployed to prevent regrouping or escape.
The incident comes amid intensified anti Maoist operations across several states. Earlier this month, multiple Maoists were killed during encounters in the Bastar region, where security forces recovered a cache of weapons, including automatic rifles and launchers.
The renewed push against Maoist networks aligns with the central government’s broader internal security strategy. The leadership has repeatedly warned about evolving threats, including the spread of extremist ideology beyond rural conflict zones, while underlining the need for vigilance, intelligence driven operations, and sustained development in affected areas to ensure long term peace and stability.
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