Six Naxals Killed in Gunfight with Cobra Commandos in Jharkhand’s Bokaro District

Bokaro, Jharkhand . April 22, 2025 — In a major success for India’s anti-insurgency operations, six Naxals were killed in an early morning encounter with security forces in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district. The joint operation was carried out by the elite Cobra Commandos of the CRPF and the Jharkhand Police.

Gunbattle Breaks Out in Lugu Hills

The gunfight began around 5:30 a.m. on Monday in the Lalpania area of Lugu Hills, a known Naxalite stronghold. Officials confirmed that six Naxals were neutralized, and a cache of advanced weapons was recovered from the encounter site, including two INSAS rifles, one self-loading rifle (SLR), and a pistol.

As of the latest update, intermittent firing is still ongoing in the region, suggesting the presence of more armed insurgents.

No Casualties Reported Among Security Personnel

Despite the intensity of the gunfight, no injuries or fatalities were reported among security forces. The 209 Cobra Battalion, renowned for its jungle warfare and counter-Naxal expertise, spearheaded the action, assisted by local police units.

The Cobra (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) is a specialized CRPF unit trained for guerilla warfare and counterinsurgency, particularly in India’s dense forest zones affected by Naxalite activities.

Government Reiterates Naxal-Free India Goal

The encounter comes amid a renewed nationwide crackdown on Naxal insurgents. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a recent address, urged remaining underground Naxals to surrender and reintegrate into society, reaffirming the government’s pledge to eradicate Naxalism from India by March 31, 2026.

Taking to social media platform X, Shah stated, “I appeal to all hidden Naxals to surrender under the Modi government’s surrender policy and return to the mainstream. We are committed to ridding India of the Naxal menace before March 31, 2026.”

He further noted that the insurgency has now been contained to only four districts, highlighting the success of targeted operations led by CAPFs, particularly the Cobra battalions.

Key Takeaways:

• Six Naxals killed in an early morning encounter in Bokaro, Jharkhand.

• No casualties among Cobra Commandos or police personnel.

• Recovery of advanced weapons, including INSAS and SLR rifles.

• Amit Shah urges Naxals to surrender and reiterates government’s 2026 Naxal-free India target.