High alert along Odisha border after 15 Maoists, including top leader Anal Da, killed in Jharkhand encounter

In a major anti-Maoist operation, at least 15 Naxals, including hardcore leader Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da, were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in the Saranda forest of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on Thursday. Anal Da carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head and was considered one of the most influential Maoist strategists in the region.

The encounter took place near Kumbhdih village under Chotanagra police station limits after security forces launched a joint operation based on specific intelligence inputs about Maoists planning a major explosion in the area. According to police, the Maoists, who were lying in ambush, opened indiscriminate fire, prompting strong retaliation by the forces. After several hours of intense gunfire, security personnel surrounded the Maoists and gained the upper hand.

Jharkhand Police IG (Operations) Michaelraj S. confirmed the death of Anal Da and several other Maoists, stating that a massive search operation is still underway. Senior officials said multiple bodies, sophisticated weapons, ammunition, and daily-use items have been recovered. Additional forces have been deployed, and the entire area has been cordoned off.

Anal Da, a native of Giridih district, had been associated with the Maoist movement for over two decades. His influence extended across Giridih, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Khunti, Seraikela-Kharsawan, and West Singhbhum districts. He played a key role in strengthening Maoist networks in the Saranda and Kolhan regions and was involved in dozens of serious cases, including attacks on security forces, IED blasts, extortion, and threats to contractors.

High Alert Along Odisha Border

Following the encounter, a high alert has been issued along the Odisha–Jharkhand border. Security has been intensified in view of the presence of Maoists in the inter-state forest belt. Notably, CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh had recently reviewed anti-Maoist strategies in Chaibasa, after which joint deployments from Jharkhand and Odisha were increased in the Saranda region.

Also Read: Major anti-Maoist combing operation launched in Odisha ahead of deadline

Reacting to the development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated his March 31 deadline for eliminating Left-wing extremism. In a post on social media platform X, he appealed to Maoists active in Lalgarh and adjoining areas to lay down arms and abandon violence and terror, urging them to join the mainstream of development and trust.

The Saranda forest has long been a stronghold of the Maoists. This operation is being seen as the first major anti-Maoist success of 2026 and a significant blow to the insurgent network in eastern India.