Indian security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district has killed 15 Maoists, including a high-ranking leader carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head.
The encounter took place in the Kumdi area of the Saranda forest, located within the Kiriburu police station limits. Approximately 1,500 personnel from the CRPF’s elite CoBRA unit are currently engaged in the operation, reports PTI.
According to a statement from the police headquarters, the deceased include the prominent leader Patiram Majhi, widely known as Onol Da.
Indian authorities confirmed that the gunfight commenced at 6am on Thursday and remains ongoing, with a significant quantity of arms and ammunition recovered from the site.
Inspector General of Police (Operations), Michael Raj S, informed the press that the mission was initiated following a tip-off regarding the presence of Onol Da and his squad in the forest.
While the broader anti-Maoist operation began on Tuesday, the active exchange of fire only started on Thursday morning. Onol Da, a resident of Pirtand in the Giridih district, had been active since 1987 and was a long-term target for law enforcement.
The operation follows a visit by CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh to Chaibasa, the district headquarters, earlier this week.
Babulal Marandi, the leader of the opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly and former state BJP chief, described the elimination of the Maoist squad as a significant victory against “red terror”. He praised the indomitable courage, valour, and dedication of the personnel involved.
Marandi further noted that the Central Government, led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, remains committed to the total eradication of Naxalism by March 2026.
Security officials highlighted that Kolhan and Saranda are considered the final strongholds of Maoists in the state, as their influence has been effectively curtailed in areas such as Buda Pahad, Chatra, Latehar, Gumla, Lohardaga, Ranchi, and Parasnath.
Statistics indicate a sustained campaign against the movement; between 2001 and 2025, more than 11,000 Maoists were arrested, approximately 250 killed, and over 350 surrendered to security forces across Jharkhand.
During this period, police also seized a substantial cache of weaponry.
