In a significant victory for security forces, a joint team of Jharkhand Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) eliminated eight Naxalites, including a top-ranking Maoist commander, in a fierce encounter in Jharkhand's Chaibasa district on Thursday. The operation marks one of the most substantial setbacks for Left-Wing Extremism in the state in recent times.
The gunfight erupted in a dense forest area following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of a Maoist cadre. Upon being challenged by the security forces, the Naxalites opened fire, triggering a heavy retaliatory assault.
Among the eight killed was the most-wanted Patiram Majhi, popularly known as Anal Da, the State Committee Member of the CPI (Maoist) in Jharkhand. Anal Da, carrying a bounty of ₹1 crore on his head, was considered one of the most dreaded and influential Maoist leaders in the region, with significant involvement in planning and executing violent activities for over two decades.
"A search operation is underway after the gunfight stopped. At least eight Maoists have been killed. Patiram Majhi alias Anal Da has been neutralised in the operation," confirmed a senior police officer overseeing the anti-Naxal operations.
Security forces have cordoned off the entire region, and search operations are continuing. A large cache of arms and ammunition is also suspected to have been recovered from the encounter site, with details awaited as the combing operation progresses.
Context: A Sustained Push Against the Maoist Core
This operation follows a pattern of targeted strikes against the Maoist leadership. In December of last year, security forces in neighbouring Odisha achieved a major breakthrough by neutralising six Naxalites, including Ganesh Uike, a Central Committee Member of the CPI (Maoist). Uike, who carried a reward of ₹1.1 crore, was the top Maoist leader in Odisha.
Home Minister Amit Shah had hailed that operation as a "significant milestone towards a Naxal-free Bharat," reiterating the government's resolve to eliminate the menace. "We are resolved to eliminate Naxalism before the 31st of March 2026," Shah had stated.
Strategic Impact
The elimination of Anal Da is a critical juncture in Jharkhand's fight against Naxalism. His death not only disrupts the Maoist operational command in the state but also deals a severe psychological blow to the cadre. Security analysts view this as a result of refined intelligence-based operations and increased coordination between state and central forces.
The dual successes in Odisha and Jharkhand within months underscore a focused national strategy to decapitate the Maoist leadership and dismantle their military capabilities. While the challenge of Naxalism remains complex, rooted in socio-economic issues, these operations demonstrate the sustained pressure on its armed wing. The security establishment remains on high alert as it continues its mission to uproot extremism from the region.
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