Operation Megaburu, which lasted for two days in Saranda, a Maoist stronghold, has broken the backbone of the Naxalites in Jharkhand. In this joint search operation by the CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguar, Cobra Battalion, and the district force, the bodies of 17 hardcore Maoists, including top commander Anal, who was carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore, were recovered within two days.
The operation is part of a campaign to eliminate Maoists from Jharkhand by March 2026. The operation is being directed by CRPF IG Saket Kumar Singh, Jharkhand Police IG Operations Dr Michael Raj S, Jharkhand Jaguar IG Anoop Birthare, and DIG Indrajit Mahatha.
According to information received by the Intelligence Bureau and Special Branch (SIB), the remaining Naxalites, numbering around 45, are now surrounded on the border between the Chotanagrah and Kiriburu police station areas of West Singhbhum district.
They are led by Misir Besra alias Bhaskar alias Sunirmal alias Sagar, a Maoist Central Politburo member with a bounty of Rs 1 crore. He is a resident of Madandih village in the Pirtand police station area of Giridih district.
Misir Besra trapped
Misir Besra is the only surviving central committee member of the outlawed CPI (Maoist). After him, the second surrounded commander is Asim Mandal alias Akash alias Timir, carrying a reward of Rs 1 crore.
According to intelligence received by security forces, the remaining Maoists have created a cordon of IEDs around themselves to inflict damage on the security forces, tightening their siege. All Maoists are armed with AK-47s, INSAS rifles, SLRs, and 3-N-3s.
Weapons and ammunition are limited. External supplies have stopped. The Maoists are fighting their battle with the resources they already have.
There are also reports that many of the remaining Maoists are preparing to surrender. However, this has not yet been officially confirmed.
Tonto and Goilkera empty of Maoists
According to the report given by the Intelligence Bureau and Special Branch to the security forces, Tonto and Goilkera police station areas of West Singhbhum district, which were once the stronghold of Maoists, are now empty of Maoists.
The Sarajamburu area of the Tonto police station served as a safe haven for Maoists for a long time. The Maoists have fled from these areas and are now in the Chotanagrah and Kiriburu police station areas.
To surround them, eight temporary security force camps have been set up in the Maoist-dominated area. These camps are manned by personnel from the Jharkhand Jaguars, CRPF, Cobra Battalion, and district forces.