Top Maoist Leader Killed in Jharkhand Encounter
Security forces killed senior Maoist leader Patiram Manjhi, also known as Anal Da, during an anti-Naxal operation in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district. The encounter took place in the Saranda forest region following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of armed insurgents.
Bounty and Role
Patiram Manjhi was a Central Committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist) and carried a bounty of ₹1 crore announced by security agencies. He was considered one of the most influential Maoist leaders active in the region and was involved in several attacks against security forces over the years.
Operation Details
The joint operation was carried out by the CRPF’s CoBRA unit along with Jharkhand Police. An exchange of fire broke out when the Maoists opened fire on the advancing teams. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site. Identification of other Maoists killed in the encounter is ongoing.
Government Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the operation a major success in the fight against Left Wing Extremism. He reiterated the government’s stated goal of eliminating Naxalism from the country by March 2026.
