Chaibasa, April 15: A fierce encounter erupted between security forces and Naxalites in the Saranda forest area of the Chotanagpur police station in West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, on Wednesday. The clash, which began around 10 AM, was part of a targeted search operation based on intelligence reports regarding Naxalite presence in the region. The gunfire continued until approximately 1:30 PM, creating panic in the surrounding areas.
The situation escalated when an IED planted by the Naxalites exploded, injuring five personnel, including Inspector Satyaprakash of the Cobra 205 Battalion. The injured include Shailesh Kumar Dubey, Uttam Senapati, Jitendra Kumar Rai, and Prem Kumar. They were airlifted around 5 PM from Baliba village to Ranchi for advanced medical treatment, with one soldier reported to be in critical condition.
Sources indicate that security forces had prior intelligence about a dozen Naxalites hiding in the Baliba area, prompting an intensified operation starting at 4 AM. Unconfirmed reports suggest that 3 to 4 Naxalites may have been killed or injured during the encounter, although this has not been officially verified. Gunfire and explosions continued intermittently in the Saranda forests until late evening, audible to villagers up to 10 kilometers away. A comprehensive search operation is ongoing to regain control over Naxalite activities in the area.
According to security agencies, fewer than 50 Naxalites remain active in the region, led by the notorious leader Misir Besra. Continuous operations are being conducted to eliminate this threat.
Notably, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had set a deadline of March 31 for the eradication of Naxalism across the country, leading to intensified efforts in the Saranda forests. Thousands of security personnel have been deployed to conduct ongoing search operations aimed at neutralizing the remaining Naxalites. The entire area remains on high alert as security forces continue their extensive campaigns in the forests.
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