Saranda Anti-Naxal Operation Leaves 17 Maoists Dead in West Singhbhum

Jharkhand DGP Visits Chaibasa After Major Security Force Success

Key Points:

• Seventeen Maoists killed during two-day Saranda forest operation
• Top CPI Maoist leader Anil Da alias Patiram Majhi among the dead
• Fourteen modern weapons recovered, including AK-47 and INSAS rifles

CHAIBASA – Jharkhand DGP Thadasha Mishra reached Chaibasa after security forces achieved a major breakthrough during an anti-Naxal operation in Saranda forests.

The DGP arrived in Chaibasa on Saturday. She was accompanied by senior police officials. These included IG Operations Saket Kumar. Jaguar DIG Indrajeet Mahatha was also present.

IPS officers Anoop Birthare and Nathu Singh Meena attended. Senior CRPF officers also joined the visit. The DGP received a formal guard of honour upon arrival.

Earlier, security forces conducted Operation Meghaburu in Saranda forests. The joint operation continued for two days. It lasted nearly thirty-five hours.

During the operation, seventeen Naxals were killed. The deceased included CPI Maoist top leader Anil Da. He was also known as Patiram Majhi.

District police participated actively. CRPF 209 Battalion was also involved. COBRA and Jaguar units played key roles.

Security forces recovered fourteen advanced firearms. These included AK-47 rifles. INSAS rifles were also seized.

Police officials termed it the biggest Saranda action so far. They recalled a deadly ambush twenty-five years ago. Twenty security personnel were killed in that incident.

Officials said the current operation was seen as retaliation. The DGP praised officers and jawans. She announced cash rewards for participating units.

COBRA Battalion received Rs 4 lakh. District police were awarded Rs 1 lakh. Jaguar team also received Rs 1 lakh.

Addressing the media, the DGP issued a warning. She said Naxals were nearing collapse. She appealed for surrender under rehabilitation policies.

She also warned of strict action otherwise. Meanwhile, bodies of the slain Naxals were brought to Chaibasa Sadar Hospital.

Seventeen bodies reached the hospital premises. Six medical teams were deployed. Post-mortems will occur under magistrate supervision.

The procedures will be videographed. Barricades were placed around the post-mortem house. Public entry was restricted.

Security forces maintained tight vigil in surrounding areas. Operations in Saranda continue to remain under close monitoring. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}