A fierce encounter occurred between security forces and a banned Naxalite (Maoist) group in the Saranda forest region of Jharkhand’s Chaibasa district. The clash involved the squad of wanted Maoist leader Misir Besra, who has a bounty of Rs 1 crore. Reports suggest that multiple Maoists may have been killed during the gunfight. Additionally, a CoBRA jawan sustained injuries and is being airlifted to Ranchi for medical care.
The gun battle erupted around 10 a.m. in the dense forests situated between Marang Ponga and Baliba villages under the Chhota Nagra police station area in West Singhbhum district. Security forces, including the CoBRA battalion, Jharkhand Jaguar, and district police, launched a search operation upon receiving intelligence that Besra was planning to relocate his camp with his squad. As the Maoists opened fire on the security personnel, a strong retaliation ensued, leading to the neutralization of four insurgents and injuries to others.
Sources suggest that precise firing by the security forces resulted in the elimination of four Maoists, with several more likely injured. However, due to the challenging terrain and dense forest cover, the bodies have not yet been recovered or officially confirmed. Notorious Maoists like Mochu, Sagen Angaria, and Ashwin were reportedly part of Besra’s squad during the encounter. Following the incident, security forces have intensified search operations and sealed off the area while making arrangements to transfer the injured CoBRA jawan to Ranchi for advanced medical treatment.
