An encounter took place today between Maoists and joint security forces in the dense forest areas near the jurisdiction of the Jeraikela police station in West Singhbhum. The operation was part of an ongoing coordinated anti-Naxal drive launched in the Kolhan region on March 4, 2025. According to officials, the joint operation was initiated after intelligence inputs regarding Maoist activities linked to the proscribed CPI (Maoist) group led by wanted leader Hemant Besra and his associates. The forces involved included teams from Chaibasa District Police, Jharkhand Jaguar, CoBRA units (203 BN, 209 BN), CRPF battalions (26 BN, 60 BN, 134 BN, 193 BN, 197 BN), and others. At approximately 12 noon today, an exchange of fire broke out between the security forces and Maoist operatives in the forested region. The Maoists, sensing heavy retaliation from the security side, fled the area, taking advantage of the dense terrain. Following the gunfight, a huge cache of arms and daily-use Maoist materials was recovered from the spot, including IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and other equipment, which were later defused and secured. In a separate incident within the same area, one of the IEDs planted earlier by Maoists exploded while being defused, causing injuries to CT/GD Sunil Kumar of CoBRA 209 Battalion. His condition is reported to be stable. He received preliminary treatment and was referred for advanced medical care. The anti-Maoist operation is ongoing, and security forces remain vigilant across vulnerable regions of West Singhbhum and nearby districts. Authorities confirmed that explosives, weaponry, and other essential Maoist supplies were seized, dealing a significant blow to insurgent logistics. Items recovered: IEDs, Detonators, Other daily-use equipment and supplies used by Maoists Forces involved in the operation: Chaibasa District Police, Jharkhand Jaguar, CoBRA units (203 BN, 209 BN) CRPF Battalions (26 BN, 60 BN, 134 BN, 193 BN, 197 BN) and Jharkhand State Police Operations are expected to continue in the coming days as part of a larger effort to neutralize Maoist influence in the region and ensure long-term peace and development.

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