Jharkhand’s fight against Naxalism reached a pivotal moment as forces neutralized 17 insurgents, seizing a deadly cache of arms in West Singhbhum’s challenging Kolhan-Saranda terrain. Spearheaded by directives from the state DGP and IG, the multi-agency sweep by Jharkhand Police, CoBRA, CRPF, and Jaguars targeted a menacing Naxal cluster.
Specific tips pinpointed top Maoist Anlal alias Patiram Manjhi and Anmol alias Sushant reconnoitering attack sites near Kumdih and Bahda in Chhotanagara jurisdiction. Launched promptly, the mission triggered prolonged gun battles on January 22 and 23, with rebels attempting desperate salvos met by resolute defense.
Meticulous searches post-skirmish recovered 17 corpses, including bounty-laden leaders: Anlal (Rs 1 crore), Anmol (Rs 25 lakh), Amit Munda (Rs 15 lakh), Pintu Lohra, Laljit alias Lalu, Samir Sorren, Rapa alias Pavel, plus ACM members and rank-and-file. The bounty of weapons—AK rifles, INSAS, .303s, ammo stockpiles, and essentials—highlights the operation’s thoroughness.
Contextualizing the win, West Singhbhum’s campaigns have nabbed 183 Naxals judicially over three years, following 11 encounter deaths. Analysts predict a cascading effect, weakening Maoist hold in Saranda and enabling socio-economic upliftment.
Emphasizing mercy alongside might, police appealed to active militants to embrace the surrender-rehabilitation pathway, promising dignified societal reentry. This feat reinforces Jharkhand’s strategic momentum in vanquishing red terror.