RANCHI: A Maoist cadre was killed in an early morning encounter with security forces in the Kolhan forest of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on Wednesday.
The exchange of fire took place in the remote Rutugutu forests under the Tonto police station area. The identity of the killed Maoist is yet to be confirmed.
Security personnel recovered the body along with weapons and other materials from the site, which were seized for investigation.
According to police sources, the operation was launched after specific intelligence inputs about the presence of a Maoist squad in the hilly forest terrain of Rutugutu. Acting on a tip-off, personnel of the COBRA 209 Battalion were conducting a search operation in the area.
During the operation, suspicious movement was noticed deep inside the forest, leading to a brief exchange of fire between the two sides. Security forces immediately took strategic positions and tightened control over the area.
Police suspect that the squad involved in the encounter may include Maoist commander Misir Besra, who carries a bounty of Rs 1 crore.
The area has been cordoned off and additional personnel have been placed on high alert. A large-scale combing operation is underway in the surrounding forests, while intermittent exchange of fire continued since morning, creating tension in the region.
The Boroi region, surrounded by dense forests and rugged hills, poses major challenges for security forces during operations.
Confirming the incident, Superintendent of Police Amit Renu said the security forces’ operation was still underway. An intensive search operation is currently being conducted across the entire region he said.
The SP further added that the troops are advancing with the utmost vigilance. A close watch is being kept on every suspicious movement to prevent any untoward incidents, he said.
Police said concerns over increased Maoist activity had already been raised after the recent killing of a former Maoist in the Goilkera police station area. Led by Misir Besra, the Maoist group remains active in the region and is trying to strengthen its presence.
Security agencies had received intelligence inputs that Maoists were attempting to re-mobilise in the Saranda and Kolhan regions. Following the latest encounter, high alert has been declared across the area.
Officials said a few Maoists still active in the Saranda and Kolhan forests have shifted to mobile camps to avoid detection by security forces. To prevent police access to bunkers, spike holes and IEDs have been laid around the area.
