Maoist leader with Rs 1 crore bounty killed in Jharkhand, 8 Naxals dead in joint op

In a major success for Indian security forces, a top Maoist leader with a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head was killed along with seven other Naxals during a joint operation in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district on Monday.  

The joint offensive was led by CRPF's elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) commandos along with Jharkhand police. The encounter began early in the morning around 5:30 am in the dense Lugu hills, a known stronghold for Naxal activities.  

During the operation, security forces recovered a cache of weapons, including an AK series rifle, a self-loading rifle (SLR), a pistol, and eight country-made firearms. Officials confirmed that there were no injuries reported among the security personnel.  

The killed Maoist leader was a key figure in the region’s Naxal network and carried a reward of Rs 1 crore for his capture or elimination. His death marks a significant blow to the Maoist movement in Jharkhand and adjoining areas.  

The operation is part of an intensified campaign by the Centre to eliminate Naxalism from the country. Earlier this month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had reaffirmed the government's commitment, stating that violence cannot bring change and urging remaining Naxals to surrender.  

In a bid to encourage peace, Shah had also announced a development incentive, pledging Rs 1 crore in funding for each village in Chhattisgarh declared free of Naxal influence. Surrendered Naxal cadres have been promised protection and dignified reintegration into society.