The claim that 15 Maoists, including senior leader Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da (who carried a reward of Rs 1 crore) was killed in an encounter in Jharkhand’s Saranda forest on Thursday (January 22, 2026), appears to be largely true based on several credible news reports like The New Indian Express, Indian Express, Zee News, Deccan Herald and others, which have quoted Jharkhand Police officials.
The encounter took place near Kumbhadih (or Kumbadih/Kumdi with similar names) village under Chhotanagara police station in the Saranda forest of West Singhbhum district (some reports also mention Kiriburu area). It was the result of a joint operation by security forces, including the CRPF’s Cobra unit, based on specific intelligence about the presence and movements of Maoists. The firing began early in the morning (around 6:30 am), with the Maoists reportedly ambushing the security personnel, who retaliated and surrounded them, overpowering them after hours of heavy firing.
CPI (Maoist) Central Committee member Anal Da, who hailed from Giridih district (Pirtand area) and was active for over two decades (since 1987 according to some reports), has been confirmed dead. He was a key strategist who had influence in districts like Giridih, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Khunti, Seraikela-Kharsawan and West Singhbhum, especially in the Saranda and Kolhan regions. There were dozens of cases against him like attacks on security forces, IED blasts, extortion and threatening contractors.
Although several reports (including those sourced from IANS) said at least 15 Maoists were killed and bodies and weapons recovered, some initial police statements (such as those given to The Indian Express) confirmed 8-9, adding that the search was ongoing and the final number was not known. Some media outlets reported a number as low as 8, but most agreed with a figure of 15, including top leaders (some also mentioned a leader with a reward of Rs 50 lakh). The operation continued even after the encounter.
This is a major blow to the Maoist network in the region, which comes as the central government tries to meet the March 2026 deadline to end left-wing extremism.
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