2 top leaders of Maoist splinter group shot dead in Jharkhand

According to Inspector General (IG) Operational Amol Homkar, a small action team comprising personnel from SP Latehar’s special squad and local police had launched a search operation in the jungles.

Around dawn, as the team moved deeper into the forest, Naxalites opened fire, triggering a fierce gunbattle.

The operation was launched after the police received credible intelligence inputs about the presence of armed JJMP operatives in the region.

“Our team retaliated effectively. After the exchange of fire ceased, the bodies of two extremists were recovered,” IG Homkar said. “One of them has been confirmed as Pappu Lohara, the supremo of the JJMP who carried a bounty of `10 lakh. The other is suspected to be Prabhat Ganjhu, who had a reward of `5 lakh,” the IG said.

Initial verification has confirmed Lohara’s death, marking a huge blow to the outfit’s leadership. One jawan sustained a bullet injury during the operation and was successfully evacuated for medical treatment.

Another suspected Maoist (Sub-Zonal Commander) was also found injured and has been taken into custody and sent for treatment.

Police recovered one INSAS rifle and other materials from the site of the encounter. IG Homkar hailed the strike as a significant achievement, stating that the outfit had been very active in the region. The operation is still ongoing, with security forces continuing combing efforts in the forest to trace any remaining members of the outfit.