Jharkhand Security Forces Eliminate Top Naxal Leader in Bokaro Encounter

In Bokaro, Jharkhand, security forces eliminated eight Naxals in an encounter. A top official highlighted the significance of the operation, stating it was the first time in Jharkhand's history that security forces successfully eliminated a Naxal leader of Central Committee Member (CCM) rank, who had a bounty of Rs 1 crore.

The operation commenced around 5:30 am on Monday. Eight Naxals were neutralized, and 14 weapons were recovered. The official confirmed the operation was ongoing and emphasized the historical significance of eliminating a CCM-ranked Naxal leader with a substantial bounty.

The joint operation in Bokaro district dealt a significant blow to Naxalism. Among the eight neutralized members of the banned outfit were three high-profile wanted leaders. These individuals carried bounties of Rs 1 crore, Rs 25 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh, respectively.

The Naxals neutralized included Prayag Manjhi, also known as Vivek, who had a bounty of Rs 1 crore. Arvind Yadav carried a reward of Rs 25 lakh, and Sahebram Manjhi, also known as Rahul Manjhi, had a bounty of Rs 10 lakh. The other Naxals were identified as Mahesh Manjhi, Talu, Raju Manjhi, Gangaram, and Mahesh. Prayag Manjhi, aged 60, was a Central Committee Member (CCM) of the Eastern Regional Bureau of Naxals.

The bodies of the Naxals were recovered following an exchange of fire between the rebel group and the 209 Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (Cobra) unit of the Central Reserve Police Force and the state police force. The exchange of fire began around 5:30 am in the Lugu hills under the Lalpania area of Bokaro.

The troops recovered a cache of arms from the site, including an AK-series rifle, a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), three INSAS rifles, a pistol, and eight country-made Bharmar rifles. No injuries or casualties were reported among the security personnel. A thorough search operation is underway to ensure complete sanitization and to trace any remaining insurgents or hidden weaponry.

Officials stated that the search was ongoing and the operation was part of an intensified campaign by security forces to dismantle Naxalite activities in the region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the security forces for the operation. He stated that the operation resulted in the elimination of eight Maoists, including a top-level Naxal leader with a reward of Rs 1 crore, and two other notorious Naxalites.

The recent operation brought the total number of Naxals neutralized this year to 93 in joint operations involving the CRPF. From 2020 to 2024, a total of 178 Naxals have been neutralized in such joint operations. The majority of the Naxals were neutralized in Chhattisgarh.