Maoist killed and SLR rifle recovered in fierce gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand

A Maoist was killed on Wednesday morning during a fierce encounter with police and security forces near Sauta village under Goilkera police station limits in West Singhbhum district. Authorities recovered an SLR rifle from the site, officials said.

Jharkhand Police IG (Operations) Dr Michael Raj stated the encounter occurred during a joint search operation in the forested hill terrain of Sauta, a known Maoist stronghold. “As our team entered the area, Maoist cadres opened indiscriminate fire. Our forces retaliated, resulting in a gun battle that lasted nearly an hour with multiple rounds exchanged,” he said.

After securing the area, the body of one Maoist was recovered. The deceased’s identity has not yet been confirmed. Dr Raj added that security forces are intensifying combing operations to track down Maoists who managed to escape.

Authorities have been conducting sustained anti-Maoist operations across the Saranda region and adjoining forests. The campaign has included dismantling bunkers, recovering large caches of IEDs, and seizing weapons. This year alone, 23 Maoists have been killed in Jharkhand during various encounters, including eight in April in Bokaro district’s Lugu Hills, among them top leader Prayag Manjhi alias Vivek.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that security forces aim to eliminate Maoism across the country by March next year and urged Maoists to surrender and avail government rehabilitation schemes. Currently, Maoist activities are largely confined to the Saranda jungles, where an estimated 85–90 cadres remain, posing challenges due to planted IEDs, though security forces have established temporary camps and are advancing steadily.