A high-profile leader of the CPI (Maoist) was neutralised during a large-scale joint anti-Naxal operation in Jharkhand’s Saranda forest, marking a major success for security forces. The slain extremist has been identified as Patiram Majhi, also known as Anal da, a senior Central Committee Member (CCM) of the banned outfit.
The operation, codenamed Meghaburu, was launched on Thursday by elite units of the 209 CoBRA battalion, Chaibasa district police, and Jharkhand Jaguar. Security officials confirmed that Anal da, who carried a reward of ₹1 crore on his head in Jharkhand, was killed in a fierce gun battle along with 14 other Maoists.
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Anal da was among the most wanted Naxalite leaders in the region and was part of the CPI (Maoist)’s highest decision-making body. He was reportedly involved in as many as 149 criminal cases across Jharkhand, making his elimination a significant blow to the outlawed organisation.
The encounter stretched over nearly two days, with intermittent firing continuing even after the initial exchange. On Friday, during follow-up search operations, security forces recovered two additional bodies, taking the total number of Maoists killed to 17.
Kiriburu SDPO Ajay Kerketta said the firing has ceased for now, but search operations will resume during daylight to ensure the area is fully sanitised. Officials have described Operation Meghaburu as a major operational success in the ongoing campaign against Left Wing Extremism in the region.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
