Security forces killed 15 Maoists, including top leader Anil Da who carried a Rs 1 crore bounty, during an encounter in the Saranda forests of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on Thursday morning.

The gunfight broke out when teams from the Jharkhand Police, the CoBRA battalion and central armed police forces launched a search operation in the dense Saranda forest area. Officials said Maoists opened fire on the security personnel, who responded immediately, leading to an intense exchange of bullets that echoed across the forested terrain.

According to police headquarters, the encounter took place when security forces came face to face with the squad led by Anil Da, also known as Patiram Manjhi. His group reportedly included more than 14 armed Maoists. The forces neutralised all 15 during the operation and recovered their bodies along with a large cache of weapons and daily-use supplies from the spot.

CRPF Inspector General Saket Kumar confirmed that officials identified 11 of the 15 killed Maoists so far. He said Anil Da carried a reward of Rs 1 crore announced by the Jharkhand government, Rs 1.20 crore by the Odisha government and Rs 15 lakh by the National Investigation Agency.

Among those identified, Anmol alias Sushant carried a reward of Rs 25 lakh in Jharkhand and Rs 65 lakh in Odisha and faced 149 criminal cases. Amit Munda carried rewards totalling Rs 62 lakh across Jharkhand, Odisha and NIA cases and figured in 96 cases. Pintu Lohra carried a Rs 5 lakh reward and faced 47 cases, while Laljeet alias Lalu carried a Rs 5 lakh reward. Other identified Maoists included Rajesh Munda, Bulbul Alda, Babita, Purnima, Surajmuni and Jonga, each linked to multiple criminal cases across Jharkhand.

Security forces carried out the operation under the anti-Maoist special drive named Meghaburu. Officials said Maoists lay in wait inside the forest and began firing as the teams advanced. Security personnel took positions and pushed back, after which the encounter intensified and ended with the deaths of the Maoists.

The Saranda region, known for its rugged hills and thick forests, has seen Maoist activity for several years. Following the encounter, forces cordoned off the entire area and continued an extensive search operation to rule out the presence of any remaining armed cadres.

Kolhan range DIG Anurajan Kispotta confirmed the encounter and said the joint forces maintained a high alert in and around the forest zone.

Anil Da, also known as Tufan, had the real name Patiram Manjhi, also known as Patiram Marandi and Ramesh. He hailed from Jharhabale village under the Pirtand police station area in Giridih district. His father is Toto Marandi, also known as Taru Manjhi. Anil Da served as a central committee member of CPI (Maoist) and operated as a key planner for the outfit.

He joined the Maoist movement in 1987 and remained active for decades in the forests of Saranda and Giridih. Police records linked him to several serious offences, including murder, IED blasts, illegal arms possession and loot cases.

In recent months, security forces have recorded multiple operational gains against Maoist leadership in Jharkhand. Police arrested Politburo member Prashant Bose in the Saraikela-Kharsawan area, while central committee member Sudhakar surrendered before the Telangana government after fleeing Jharkhand. In April 2025, forces killed central committee member Prayag Manjhi alias Vivek in an encounter, and in September 2025, another central committee member, Anuj alias Sahdev Soren alias Pravesh alias Amlesh, died during an encounter in Hazaribagh.