Fierce gun battle breaks out in Jharkhand’s Saranda Forest

A fierce gun battle broke out between security forces and Maoists in the Saranda forest region of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on Thursday morning, police said. The exchange of fire began under the jurisdiction of the Kiriburu police station and continued for several hours, with intermittent gunfire still being reported as search operations remained underway.Jharkhand Police confirmed that the encounter started following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoists near Kumbhdih village under the Chotanagara police station limits. Acting on the inputs, security forces launched a joint operation in the dense forest area.
According to police officials, Maoists allegedly lying in ambush opened indiscriminate fire on the advancing security personnel, prompting a strong and effective retaliatory response. The encounter intensified as forces tightened the cordon around the area.Kolhan Division Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Anuranjan Kispotta confirmed the ongoing operation, stating that detailed information would be shared after the situation stabilises. As a precautionary measure, the entire area has been sealed off and additional security forces have been deployed. Senior police and security officials have also reached the spot to monitor the operation.Jharkhand Police spokesperson and Inspector General (Operations) Michaelraj S said the exchange of fire has been continuing since morning and added that the Maoists have suffered heavy losses. However, official confirmation on the exact number of casualties is still awaited.
Sources indicated that several Maoists have been killed in the encounter. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting that a top Maoist carrying a bounty of Rs 50 lakh, along with several of his associates, may have been neutralised. Police sources further claimed that multiple bodies have been recovered from the encounter site, along with weapons, ammunition and daily-use items. Those killed are believed to be active and wanted members of the outlawed group, many of whom were carrying cash rewards in multiple cases.
Anti-Naxalite operations have intensified in Chaibasa and adjoining areas over the past few months. In June 2025, four Naxalites, including senior commanders, were killed in separate encounters in the Tonto and Goilkera areas of Chaibasa. The ongoing operation in Saranda marks the first reported encounter between security forces and Maoists in Jharkhand in 2026.In 2025, police and security forces reportedly killed more than 25 Naxalites across the state as part of sustained counter-insurgency operations.