At least 15 Maoists, including the prominent leader Patiram Manjhi known as Anal Da with a bounty of Rs 1 crore, were fatally shot during a fierce clash with security forces in the Saranda forest area of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district. Jharkhand Police’s IG, Operations, Michaelraj S., confirmed the demise of Anal Da and several other Maoists, emphasizing an ongoing extensive search operation in the region.
Anal Da, hailing from Giridih district, had been an integral part of the Maoist movement for more than twenty years, recognized as a key strategist within the organization. His influence spanned across various districts including Giridih, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Khunti, Seraikela-Kharsawan, and West Singhbhum, notably contributing to bolstering the Maoist presence in the Saranda and Kolhan regions.
Numerous serious criminal cases, such as assaults on security personnel, IED explosions, extortion activities, and contractor intimidation, were lodged against him. The encounter commenced near Kumbhdih village under the Chotanagra police station limits early Thursday morning, triggered by specific intelligence inputs regarding Maoist whereabouts. The Maoists, in an ambush position, initiated indiscriminate firing on the security forces.
Security units retaliated, strategically encircling the Maoists. Following hours of intense gunfire exchanges, the security forces gained the upper hand. Kolhan division DIG Anuranjan Kispotta mentioned that the operation is ongoing, promising detailed information upon its completion.
