Gun Battle in Saranda Forest Kills One Naxal, Three Weapons Recovered

CRPF Cobra Unit Engages Rebels in Fierce Encounter in West Singhbhum

Key Points:

• One Naxal killed, several others reportedly injured in Saranda forest
• Three firearms, including an SLR rifle, recovered by security forces
• Search operation continues under supervision of Chaibasa police

CHAIBASA – A Naxal was killed during a fierce gunfight between security forces and rebels in the Saranda forest area of West Singhbhum on Thursday morning.

The encounter occurred near the JaraiKela police station limits, where the CRPF’s Cobra 209 Battalion and district police were conducting an anti-insurgency operation. The exchange of fire lasted for nearly an hour.

According to police sources, the joint team launched a search after receiving intelligence on Naxal activity. However, the rebels opened fire as soon as they noticed the approaching forces.

In retaliation, the security personnel returned fire. One Naxal was neutralized, and others sustained injuries but managed to flee deeper into the forest.

Meanwhile, forces recovered three weapons from the site, including an SLR rifle and ammunition. “The operation is ongoing. We are combing the forest area to locate any injured or hiding militants,” said a police source aware of the situation.

Chaibasa SP Amit Renu confirmed the encounter and stated that additional forces were deployed to secure the area. The operation aims to dismantle the local Naxal network believed to be regrouping in Saranda’s dense jungles.

The Saranda forest has long been a hotspot for left-wing extremism in Jharkhand. Security agencies have been intensifying operations there over the past months. In recent years, the forest — known for its iron ore reserves and difficult terrain — has seen multiple confrontations between rebels and police forces.