A fierce encounter has been ongoing since Thursday morning in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district between security forces and Maoists in the Saranda forest region. While reports indicate casualties among the Maoists, the exact number is yet to be officially confirmed. Search operations are in progress with intermittent gunfire still audible in the area.
Kolhan Division DIG Anuranjan Kispotta has confirmed the encounter, stating that the operation is active, and more detailed information will follow. As a precautionary measure, the entire area has been cordoned off, and additional forces have been deployed. Senior police and security officials are present at the scene overseeing the operation.
Jharkhand Police spokesperson and IG (Operations) Michaelraj S. mentioned that the exchange of fire between security forces and Maoists has been ongoing since morning in the Saranda forest. The joint operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs about Maoist presence near Kumbhdih village. The Maoists allegedly opened fire on security forces during the operation, leading to a strong retaliatory response.
The encounter, which lasted several hours, reportedly favored the security forces. Sources suggest that a top Maoist leader, along with associates, has been killed, with bodies of Maoists, weapons, ammunition, and daily-use items recovered from the site. The killed Maoists are believed to be active and wanted members of the outfit, some with cash rewards on their heads.
Anti-Naxalite operations have been intensified in Chaibasa and nearby areas recently, with previous encounters resulting in casualties among Naxalites. This marks the first security forces-Naxalites encounter in 2026, following multiple operations in 2025 that resulted in over 25 Naxalite deaths across Jharkhand.
