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New Indian Express
16-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Security forces gun down Maoist in Jharkhand's Bokaro; CoBRA jawan, villager killed in crossfire
RANCHI: The security forces have reportedly gunned down top Maoist Kunwar Manjhi, having a reward of Rs 5 lakh on his head, in the forests of Kashitand under the Gomia police station in Bokaro in the early hours of Wednesday, July 15. At the same time, a villager was also hit by the bullets fired by the Maoists during the encounter and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. One CoBRA jawan of 209 Battalion has received a serious bullet injury on his head during the encounter, and was airlifted immediately to Ranchi for better treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital. Bokaro Range IG Kranthi Kumar Gadidesi said that in the early hours of Wednesday, there was information about a squad of Maoists being active around Lugu Pahar. 'After Kunwar was killed, his AK-47 rifle was also recovered by the police. CoBRA Jawan also Pranaveshwar was martyred in the sudden attack by the Maoists,' said the IG. Martyr Pranaveshwar was a resident of Assam, he added. According to the information received from the police headquarters, the security forces had started an operation in the forests following a tip-off about the movement of Maoists. Meanwhile, the Maoists opened fire on the security forces. In retaliation, the security forces also opened fire, killing two of their cadres. Many other Maoists are also reported to have been shot at in the firing. Bokaro SP informed that the encounter is still going on. He, however, refused to share any details in this regard.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- The Hindu
2 Maoists, 1 CRPF jawan killed in gunfight in Jharkhand's Bokaro
Two Maoists and a CRPF jawan were killed in a gunfight in Jharkhand's Bokaro district on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) morning, police said. The gunfight broke out between the security forces and the Maoists in the Birhordera forest in the Gomia police station area around 5.30 am, they said. Also Read | Surrenders not a complete resolution to the problem, say Maoists in latest letter "The security forces gunned down two Maoists during the encounter. A jawan of the CPRF's CoBRA battalion was also killed in the exchange of fire," IG (Bokaro Zone) Kranthi Kumar Gadidesi told PTI. Bokaro's SP Harvinder Singh said that a search was underway in the area following the encounter. The identification of the killed Maoists is underway, another police officer said.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Security forces pivot to bet on FOBs & mini-ops to breach Bastar in monsoon
Raipur: The dense, rain-soaked forests of Bastar, once a safe haven for Naxal insurgents during the monsoon, are no longer unmarked by the boots of security forces, say officials. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This year, in a strategic pivot, anti-Naxal operations have gone into Monsoon Mode, with Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), drone surveillance, and night-vision technology powering an unrelenting campaign against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). Traditionally, the monsoon offered natural cover to Maoist groups, who capitalized on treacherous terrain and flooded streams to avoid detection. But in the past couple of years, things have changed, say officials. CRPF's elite CoBRA units, DRG (District Reserve Guard), and the STF (Special Task Force) are now better equipped, both tactically and technologically and intel-wise, to navigate the jungle even during the harshest spells. "We're not letting up," said Bastar IG P Sundarraj, asserting that rainfall won't hinder operations. "Monsoon is no longer a lull season, it's now a high-opportunity window for us." Govt's broader LWE eradication timeline aims to dismantle the Naxal presence by March 2026. The monsoon, earlier considered an obstacle, is now a deliberate part of the strategy. Security forces have marked success in recent joint operations in Indravati National Park and the Bijapur-Narayanpur axis, where multiple senior Maoist leaders were neutralized in early June. Maoists traditionally rely on low-intensity guerrilla warfare, exploiting the terrain to strike and retreat. But with intelligence-based tracking, surveillance grids, and constant FOB patrols, their movements are increasingly being monitored and disrupted. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The expansion of Forward Operating Bases deep in the forest interiors have enabled overnight stationing of forces close to Naxal hotspots. Officials say night-vision-enabled reconnaissance and drone surveillance have offered real-time intelligence in zero-visibility conditions during an operation of more than a day. And lastly, mini-surgical operations, swift, localized strikes based on precision inputs rather than large battalion movements have allowed forces to make in-roads. Each base is equipped with logistics, medical support, and supply chains, ensuring sustained deployment even in areas cut off by swollen rivers or landslides. "The psychological pressure is now reversed," a senior CRPF officer revealed. "Earlier, we avoided deep jungles in the rains. Now it's the Naxals who must stay on the run." Recently, speaking to the press, CM Sai affirmed full state support for the intensified operations. "This is a fight we must win, and every season is a battlefront. Our forces are empowered, and the state is with them, come rain or storm," he said. What once was an off-season has become an opportunity. With year-round readiness and advanced technology, Operation Monsoon is redefining counterinsurgency in Bastar, an officer said. The message is loud and clear, "The war against Naxalism in Bastar no longer takes a weather break." Speaking to TOI, Bastar range inspector general of police P Sundarraj said, "In the last couple of operational seasons, we have witnessed some very encouraging outcomes in our ongoing operations against Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) elements across the Bastar Range. " "Thanks to the consistent efforts of our security forces, supported by accurate intelligence inputs and the strong cooperation of local communities, we've been able to neutralize several senior hardcore Maoist cadres including CPI Maoist General Secretary Basavaraju, recover weapons and ammunition, and dismantle key Maoist hideouts. These achievements are the result of improved coordination between the State Police, Central Armed Police Forces, and the civil administration," he said. As we enter into the 2025 monsoon season, which often poses operational challenges, we are fully geared up to continue the momentum. Our teams will carry out focused, intelligence-driven, area-specific operations with the same dedication, IG said. Community engagement, stepped-up vigilance, and outreach efforts in vulnerable areas will remain central to our strategy this season, the IG added. Bastar range IG P Sundarraj further said that in the last monsoon, 28 encounters took place between security forces and Maoists, in which 66 Naxal bodies were recovered along with 100 weapons, besides, arrest of 316. About 349 had surrendered and 76 IED recovered.
Hans India
06-06-2025
- Hans India
3.8 tonnes of looted explosives recovered: DGP
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police on Wednesday claimed to have so far recovered 3.8 tonnes of the 5 tonnes of explosives looted by Maoists from near a store quarry in Sundargarh district on May 27. Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, while addressing a press conference, said of the 3.8 tonnes of explosives, one tonne of gelatin was recovered on Tuesday night. He said the State police, with assistance from CRPF, CoBRA, Jharkhand's Jaguar, and Odisha's SOG and District Voluntary Force (DVF), had launched the search operation in the nearby forests on the night of May 27. He lauded the security forces for their dedicated efforts in recovering the explosives. 'So far, we have recovered three-fourths of the explosives looted by Maoists and are optimistic about recovering the remaining explosives. The search operation is underway,' the DGP said. Earlier, DIG (Western Range) Brijesh Rai said the security personnel recovered 1,000 kg of explosives on Tuesday night. On Monday, around 2.5 tonnes of explosives were recovered, he said, adding that the explosives were buried in the dense jungle. A group of 25-30 Maoists robbed a truck transporting explosives to Banko stone quarry in K Balang area on May 27. 'The search operation is underway in the dense forests of adjoining Jharkhand,' Rai said. Meanwhile, Odisha Police arrested the owner of an explosive warehouse, Sraban Agarwal, and the driver of the truck, on Tuesday. Replying to a question, the DGP admitted that the SOP meant for carrying explosives was not adhered to when the incident took place. He said the police will inspect various magazines where explosives are stored in the three mineral-rich police districts of Sundargarh, Rourkela and Keonjhar. 'We will ensure that the SOP is adhered to while storing and transporting explosives,' he added.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Red terror crumbles in Bastar: CM Sai hails security forces after top Maoist killed
RAIPUR: 'Braving formidable challenges and harsh terrains, the brave soldiers of our security forces are driving the campaign to eradicate Maoism towards historic success,' said Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai after the Maoist commander Gautam alias Sudhakar was killed in Bijapur encounter. Today in Bijapur, the DRG, STF, and CoBRA forces have delivered yet another decisive blow against Left-Wing Extremism, CM said, adding that more than 400 Naxals have been neutralized in the year 2024-25 so far in Bastar. 'This achievement is a reaffirmation of our commitment to ignite the flame of peace and development in Naxal-affected regions. The unmatched courage and sacrifice of our forces not only reflect their unwavering sense of duty but also send a powerful message across the nation — India is breaking free from the chains of Naxalism,' CM said. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the resolute commitment of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the mission to make India Naxalism-free by March 2026 is well on course to becoming a reality, Sai said.
