15 Maoists, Including Anal Da, Killed in Jharkhand; Odisha Border on Alert

15 Maoists Killed in Jharkhand Encounter, Including Top Leader Anal Da

High Alert Issued Along Odisha-Jharkhand Border

In a major anti-Maoist operation, at least 15 Maoists, including the influential leader Patiram Manjhi, also known as Anal Da, were killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces in the Saranda forest, West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, on Thursday. Anal Da, carrying a Rs 1 crore bounty, was one of the most prominent Maoist strategists in the region.

Details of the Encounter

The clash occurred near Kumbhdih village, under the Chotanagra police station limits, after security forces acted on precise intelligence reports that Maoists were planning a major attack in the area.

Officials stated that the Maoists, lying in ambush, opened fire indiscriminately, prompting security forces to respond with a strong counterattack. After several hours of intense gunfire, the forces surrounded the Maoists and regained control.

Jharkhand Police IG (Operations), Michaelraj S., confirmed the deaths of Anal Da and several other Maoists. Authorities recovered multiple bodies, sophisticated weapons, ammunition, and essential supplies. Additional forces have been deployed, and the area has been fully cordoned off for ongoing search operations.

Profile of Anal Da

Anal Da, a native of Giridih district, had been associated with the Maoist movement for over two decades. His influence extended across Giridih, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Khunti, Seraikela-Kharsawan, and West Singhbhum districts.

He played a key role in strengthening Maoist networks in the Saranda and Kolhan regions and was involved in multiple serious crimes, including attacks on security personnel, IED blasts, extortion, and threats to contractors.

High Alert Along Odisha Border

Following the encounter, authorities have issued a high alert along the Odisha-Jharkhand border. Security measures have been intensified due to the presence of Maoists in the inter-state forest belt.

CRPF Director General, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, recently reviewed anti-Maoist strategies in Chaibasa, leading to joint deployments from both Jharkhand and Odisha in the Saranda region.

Government Response

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating Left-wing extremism by the March 31, 2026 deadline. In a statement on social media platform X, he urged Maoists in Lalgarh and surrounding areas to lay down arms, abandon violence, and join the mainstream development path.

Significance of the Operation

The Saranda forest has long been a stronghold for Maoists. This operation marks a major anti-Maoist success in 2026 and delivers a significant blow to insurgent networks in eastern India.