Maoist commander Toofan killed in encounter, ₹1 crore reward announced earlier

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – Security forces have achieved a major success in a fierce encounter between them and Maoists in the dense forests of Saranda in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district. Top Maoist commander Anal Da alias Toofan, on whom the government had announced a reward of 1 crore rupees, was killed in the encounter. Several other Maoists were also reported killed in the encounter.

This joint operation was carried out by the Cobra Battalion and a CRPF team. On Thursday morning, a sudden exchange of fire broke out between the two sides in the Kumdi area of the Saranda forest under the Kiriburu police station area of West Singhbhum. The prolonged encounter involved heavy firing from both sides.

Who was Anal Da alias Toofan?

The real name of the slain Maoist commander Anal Da alias Toofan is said to be Patiram Manjhi, alias Patiram Marandi alias Ramesh. He was a resident of Jharabale village in the Pirtand police station area of Giridih district in Jharkhand. His father's name was Toto Marandi alias Taru Manjhi. Anal Da was a Central Committee Member (CCM) of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and was counted among the top strategists of the organization. He was accused of planning several major Maoist attacks. His killing is being considered a major success for the security forces.

The encounter took place under the siege of security forces.

According to sources, Anal Da was hiding in the Saranda forests with his squad. Based on secret information, the Cobra and CRPF team launched a search operation in the area and surrounded the forest from all sides. Seeing themselves surrounded, the Maoists started firing, after which an encounter broke out in retaliation. Anal Da and many of his companions were killed in this encounter. Currently, the search operation is going on in the area.

Significantly, the central and state governments are waging a massive campaign against Maoist activities across the country. Security forces have killed several prominent Maoist leaders in the past few months. Anal Da's death is being considered a major blow to the Maoist organization.