Major Maoist Leader Eliminated in Jharkhand Encounter: What Happened?

Maoist Leader Neutralized in Chaibasa

Chaibasa: Security forces successfully eliminated a Maoist with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh during an encounter in the Saranda forest area of Jharkhand's Chaibasa, as confirmed by officials on Sunday.

The clash occurred in the West Singhbhum district, where Amit Hasda, also known as Aaptan, was neutralized, according to Superintendent of Police Paras Rana.

Authorities recovered an SLR rifle, explosives, and various other weapons from the encounter site. Following this operation, security personnel initiated a thorough search throughout the forest to locate additional Maoist hideouts.

Ongoing investigations are in progress, with more updates expected soon.

This incident follows a recent violent exchange in which two police officers lost their lives and another was critically injured during a confrontation with Maoists from the banned Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC) in Palamu district.

The gunfight took place in the dense Kedal forest under the jurisdiction of Manatu police station between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on September 3, as security forces conducted a search operation based on intelligence reports.

Officials indicated that the operation was initiated after receiving information that TSPC's notorious zonal commander, Shashikant Ganjhu, who also has a Rs 10 lakh bounty, was likely to visit his home village of Kedal during the Karma festival.

As security forces approached, Ganjhu and his armed group reportedly opened fire on the police, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Three police officers sustained injuries during the encounter and were transported to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital in Daltonganj, where two were pronounced dead.

The deceased officers were identified as Santan Kumar and Sunil Ram, with one serving as a bodyguard for the Palamu Additional Superintendent of Police.

Authorities have stated that operations are ongoing in the area to locate Ganjhu and his associates.