Chaibasa (Jharkhand) [India], January 23 (HBTV): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said a major success has been achieved in the ongoing joint operation by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jharkhand Police in West Singhbhum, with the neutralisation of a top Naxal Central Committee member carrying a bounty of INR 1 crore.
Shah identified the slain Naxal leader as Patiram Manjhi.
In a post on X, the Union Home Minister said the operation marked a significant step towards making the region free of Naxalism.
‘Today, in West Singhbhum, the ongoing joint operation by CRPF and Jharkhand Police has achieved a major success in the campaign to make the region free of Naxals through encounters, with the neutralisation of the notorious bounty-wanted Naxal Central Committee member Anal alias Patiram Manjhi worth INR 1 crore and 15 other Naxals so far,’ Shah said.
Reiterating the Centre’s resolve to eliminate Left Wing Extremism, he said the government remains committed to eradicating Naxalism before March 31, 2026.
‘I once again appeal to the remaining Naxals to abandon the ideology that connects to violence, terror, and arms, and join the mainstream of development and trust,’ Shah said.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Operations and Jharkhand Police spokesperson Michaelraj S said an encounter was underway in the Saranda Forests area of Chaibasa.
‘Chaibasa encounter update: Top Naxal Anal Da, having a reward of INR 1 crore declared against him, was killed. The total number of neutralised Naxals is being ascertained,’ he said.
Jharkhand Police said security forces are continuing the operation in the forested region following reports of exchanges of fire with armed cadres.
(ANI)