In a significant operation, ten Naxals were killed in a major encounter in West Singhbhum’s Saranda forest on Thursday morning, including one senior cadre member (CCM) carrying a Rs 1 crore bounty.
A gun
battle was underway between security forces and Maoists in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district since Thursday morning, police said. The gun battle was underway in Saranda forest’s Kumdi in the Kiriburu police station area.
The operation marks a significant achievement for security forces in the fight against Naxalism, as the Saranda forest has long been a stronghold of militant activity. However, recent operations have considerably weakened their network, the Town Post reported.
West Singhbhum’s Saranda region is currently witnessing frequent anti-Naxal operations. The area, which borders Odisha, offers militants strategic cover, while its dense vegetation makes surveillance challenging for security agencies.
DIG Western Range, Brijesh Kumar Rai said, “A massive Maoist operation is planned in the Saranda forest. Considering the district and the possible movements of the Maoists, the Rourkela police, along with the district police with CAPFs, have launched a comprehensive operation. The ongoing Saranda operation is being closely monitored and coordinated with officers.”
Rourkela, Odisha: A large-scale anti-Naxal operation is ongoing in the Saranda forest, covering Jharkhand’s Samta region and Odisha’s Kiriburu
DIG Western Range, Brijesh Kumar Rai says, “A massive Maoist operation is planned in the Saranda forest. Considering the district and… pic.twitter.com/6Rd7Cg4ZbW
— IANS (@ians_india) January 22, 2026
Earlier on Jan 17-18, six Naxals were killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district under Bastar range, as per the official inputs.
Following the encounter, the police said six Naxals were recovered, two AK-47 rifles, one NASA rifle, two .303 rifles and a BGL launcher were recovered.
In an earlier statement, Dy Cm said that four Naxals have been killed, one of whom is a big name, Dilip Bedja, who has been active in the national park area for a long time.
