Top Maoist Leader Carrying 15 Lakh Bounty Gunned Down in Jharkhand Encounter

RANCHI — A senior Maoist leader wanted in multiple violent incidents was killed in a fierce gun battle with security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district late Tuesday night, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The slain rebel, identified as Anal Da alias Suresh Hembram, carried a reward of ₹15 lakh on his head and was considered one of the most influential commanders in the Jharkhand regional committee of the CPI (Maoist). Security officials said he had been involved in over two dozen cases, including attacks on police, ambushes, and extortion operations across the state.

Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of the CRPF’s CoBRA unit and Jharkhand Police launched an operation in the dense forested areas of Goilkera. The exchange of fire lasted several hours, during which the Maoist commander was neutralised. Arms, ammunition, and Maoist literature were recovered from the site.

“This is a significant breakthrough for the state. He was a key strategist and was instrumental in several high-profile attacks. His elimination is a blow to the Maoist network in the region,” a senior police officer said.

Officials suspect Hembram was planning to regroup and initiate fresh activities in the Saranda forest zone, a known Maoist stronghold. Search operations in the area are still underway, with the possibility of more ultras being present in nearby locations.

No casualties were reported on the side of security personnel.