Jharkhand’s relentless campaign to eradicate Naxalism scored a historic win as forces gunned down 15 insurgents in West Singhbhum’s rugged Saranda terrain. The prize scalp: Anl Da, the Rs 1 crore bounty Maoist central committee strategist from Giridih, wanted in 149 terror cases.
Patiram Manjhi’s alias list—Tufan, Patiram Marandi—mirrors his elusive career spanning nearly four decades. From Piratand dominance in the late 90s to Jamui postings and a prior arrest, he evaded capture while plotting Chaibasa’s IED campaign from 2022-2025.
Flashback to horrors: 2005 Home Guard institute siege in Giridih netted arms after four murders. Bokaro’s 2006 CISF strike exploded barracks, claiming lives. 2018 Kuchai encounter fatalities, 2019 dam picket and Raysidiri blasts injuring scores, including the Kukdu Haat slaughter of five cops.
2019 election ambushes with challenger bombs, 2020 Rajiyama explosives, 2021 Toklo shift-change massacre of three JJ soldiers, and 2025 Odisha explosives heist paint a bloodied portrait. Anl Da’s elimination disrupts Maoist command deeply.
Police HQ buzzed with Operation ‘Megaburu’ revelations from CRPF and Jharkhand IGs. They shared encounter intel and issued surrender pleas to lingering militants, underscoring momentum toward a Naxal-free Jharkhand.