A fierce gunfight erupted in Jharkhand’s Palamu district, claiming the lives of two security personnel and leaving another injured in a violent clash with members of the banned Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC), a splinter group of the CPI (Maoist). The encounter broke out around 12:30 am in the Kedal area under Manatu Police Station limits, plunging the region into chaos.

According to Palamu Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Naushad Alam, the skirmish occurred during a late-night operation targeting TSPC insurgents. “Two security personnel were killed, and one jawan was injured in the gunfight. The injured was immediately rushed to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital for treatment,” Alam told PTI. The condition of the injured jawan remains critical, sources said.

The operation was launched based on intelligence inputs about TSPC activity in the dense, forested Kedal region, a known Maoist stronghold. Security forces, comprising local police and specialized units, engaged in a prolonged exchange of fire with the insurgents, who are notorious for their guerrilla tactics. The TSPC, a breakaway faction of the CPI (Maoist), has been involved in several violent incidents in Jharkhand, targeting security forces and infrastructure.

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Local residents reported hearing heavy gunfire in the early hours, with some describing the scene as “terrifying.” “We woke up to loud blasts and gunshots. It felt like a war zone,” said Anil Mahto, a villager near Kedal. The encounter has heightened fear in the area, with many residents staying indoors as security forces continue combing the region for fleeing insurgents.

The loss of two personnel has dealt a blow to the ongoing anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand, a state long plagued by left-wing extremism. Authorities have intensified efforts to curb the TSPC’s influence, which includes extortion, attacks on police, and disruption of development projects. The group’s presence in Palamu and neighboring districts remains a significant challenge for law enforcement.

In response to the attack, additional forces have been deployed to the area, and a massive search operation is underway to track down the TSPC members involved. “We are committed to neutralizing the threat posed by these groups,” DIG Alam said, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify the attackers and prevent further violence.

The incident has sparked renewed calls for strengthening counter-insurgency measures in Jharkhand. Political leaders expressed condolences for the fallen personnel, with opposition parties questioning the state government’s handling of the Maoist menace. As the region reels from the tragedy, authorities are bracing for potential retaliatory strikes, urging residents to remain vigilant.

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