Operation Megaburu breaks Maoist backbone, 17 hardcore rebels including ₹10 million reward Anil killed; 45 still trapped

Ranchi (The Uttam Hindu): A two-day-long Operation Megaburu in the Maoist stronghold of Saranda has dealt a major blow to left-wing extremism. In a joint search operation, security forces recovered the bodies of 17 hardcore Maoists, including Anil, who carried a reward of ₹10 million on his head. The operation was carried out by CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguar, CoBRA battalion, and district police, significantly boosting the morale of the forces.

Acting on directions from the Union Home Ministry, Jharkhand Police and central security forces have intensified anti-Maoist operations with the objective of completely eliminating Maoist presence in the state by March 2026.

The operation is being led by CRPF IG Saket Kumar Singh, Jharkhand Police IG (Operations) Dr. Michael Raj S., Jharkhand Jaguar IG Anoop Birathare, and DIG Indrajeet Mahatha. According to inputs from the Intelligence Bureau and Special Branch (SIB), around 45 Maoists are still trapped in the border areas of Chotanagra and Kiriburu police station limits in West Singhbhum district.

The remaining Maoists are reportedly led by Politburo member Misir Besra, also known as Bhaskar, Sunirmal, or Sagar, who carries a reward of ₹10 million. He is a resident of Madandih village in the Pirtand police station area of Giridih district. The second-in-command is Central Committee member Asim Mandal, also known as Akash or Timir, who also carries a reward of ₹10 million.

IED security cordon around Maoists

According to intelligence agencies, the trapped Maoists have created a protective ring of IEDs around their positions to prevent security forces from tightening the cordon. The extremists are armed with AK-47s, INSAS rifles, SLRs, and .303 rifles. Security forces continue to exercise extreme caution as the operation enters a critical phase.