Security forces in Jharkhand struck a major blow against Maoist insurgents on Thursday evening, recovering a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives following a 45-minute gunbattle in the dense Saranda forests of West Singhbhum district. The encounter erupted during a joint anti-Naxal operation involving Jharkhand Police and the elite 209 CoBRA Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The rebels initiated firing upon sighting the team but managed to escape, leveraging the hilly terrain and thick forest cover to evade capture.

The recovered arsenal included two self-loading rifles (SLRs), one .303 rifle, 245 live cartridges compatible with AK-47 and SLR weapons, three magazines, and 13 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) already fitted with detonators. Authorities also seized six gelatin packets weighing over 16 kg, 10 electric and five non-electric detonators, five radio communication sets, two interceptors, and two laptops—critical for coordination and planning. No security personnel or insurgents were reported injured or killed in the exchange.

A senior police officer described the seizure as a clear indicator of imminent large-scale subversive activities. “The volume and nature of the recovered items suggest the Maoists were preparing for major attacks on infrastructure or forces. We are intensifying search and combing operations to dismantle their network completely,” the officer stated. Intelligence reports estimate 60–65 Maoists remain active in the Saranda region, where thousands of IEDs have been planted, creating a persistent threat to ground patrols.

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The operation reflects sustained pressure on Naxal groups in one of their final strongholds in Jharkhand’s “Red Corridor.” While no arrests were made during the encounter, the disruption of logistics and communication tools is expected to weaken operational capabilities. Security forces have expanded the search radius to neighboring areas to prevent regrouping and ensure long-term dominance over the terrain.

This successful recovery follows a pattern of recent anti-Maoist operations in Saranda, including the October arrest of two insurgents with an INSAS rifle and ammunition. Authorities continue to urge local communities to report suspicious activity and cooperate with ongoing efforts to restore peace and development in the region.

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