Heavy firefight erupts between police and TSPC in Palamu, large cache recovered
Key Points:
– Police and TSPC clashed in Palamu’s Tarwadih forest during an operation.
– Large quantities of Naxal materials were seized after the encounter.
– A search operation has been launched following the Naxal escape.
MEDIININAGAR – A major confrontation took place between the police and TSPC Naxalites in Palamu on Thursday, resulting in the recovery of significant Naxal materials.
In Palamu district, the police encountered armed resistance from members of the banned Naxalite organization, Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC), during an operation in the Tarwadih forest near the borders of Chhatarpur, Manatu, and Nawajaypur police stations.
Following the clash, the police intensified their search operation to track down the Naxalites who had fled the scene.
Palamu Superintendent of Police, Reshma Rameshan, confirmed the encounter and reported that Naxal materials had been seized. Acting on intelligence that TSPC cadres had been planning a major operation in the area, the police initiated the raid. As soon as the police entered the forest, the Naxalites opened fire, prompting a retaliatory response. Outnumbered, the Naxalites used the dense forest to escape.
Ongoing Operations Against TSPC
According to SP Rameshan, the area where the encounter occurred is a stronghold of Shashikant, a TSPC commander with a bounty of ₹10 lakh on his head. Both Shashikant and his associate Nagina have been active in this region, carrying out violent attacks in the past. “We had information that a TSPC group was in the area, likely preparing for a major strike, which prompted the police operation,” the SP said.
The police have cordoned off the entire region and are conducting a comprehensive search. While no arrests were made during the encounter, the recovery of materials suggests the presence of a larger Naxal group in the vicinity. “We believe this was a significant blow to their plans, and we are determined to bring the culprits to justice,” a police source stated.
Heightened Vigilance Ahead of Elections
The incident comes amid heightened security efforts in the district ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. Authorities have increased anti-Naxal operations to prevent any disruptions during the electoral process. “Given the upcoming elections, we are ramping up efforts against Naxal outfits like TSPC, and we have developed a comprehensive strategy to neutralize their activities,” SP Rameshan added.
The police remain on high alert, monitoring suspected Naxal movements in other sensitive areas. As part of the broader crackdown, security forces are deploying in strategic locations to safeguard the region.
