Ranchi, 22 January 2026: Security forces have achieved the biggest success so far against Naxalism in the Naxal-affected Saranda forest area of West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. In a fierce encounter, security forces have killed 15 Naxalites, including top Maoist leader Patiram Manjhi alias ‘Anal Da’, who had a reward of Rs 1 crore. Jharkhand Police IG Michael Raj confirmed the attack and said that the security forces have achieved a major success tactically. In this operation, many active Maoists including notorious Naxalite Anal Da have been killed, due to which the organization’s network has been dealt a major blow.
Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da, originally a resident of Giridih district, was active in the Naxalite organization for the last two decades. He was counted among the top strategists of the organization. It had a strong network in districts like Giridih, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Seraikela and West Singhbhum. He was wanted for serious crimes including attacks on security forces and IED blasts, due to which the government had announced a reward of Rs 1 crore on him.
Based on secret information, security forces had started a joint search operation near Kumbhdih village under Chhotanagara police station in Chaibasa. Meanwhile, the Naxalites, already waiting for an ambush, started firing indiscriminately on the security forces. In response, the security forces took charge and surrounded the Naxalites. After the clash that lasted for hours, dead bodies of Naxalites, sophisticated weapons, ammunition and other material were found from the spot.
Kolhan Division DIG Anuranjan Kispotta said that even now the search operation is going on in this area. Due to security reasons, the entire area has been cordoned off and additional forces have been deployed.
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