A Maoist commander met his demise during a clash between security forces and red rebels in Jharkhand, as confirmed by the police.
According to Ranchi’s Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Anoop Birtharay, the encounter was initiated on Thursday afternoon within the Saranda forest in Kochang, under the jurisdiction of Arki Police station. Information had been received indicating the presence of Maoists in the Saranda forest, intending to disrupt the upcoming general elections scheduled for May 25.
Acting swiftly upon the intelligence, security forces swiftly dispatched a team to comb the area. During the operation, Maoist commander Budhram Munda was neutralized.
As the search operation continued, the DIG noted the joint efforts of CRPF's Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and the state Police in conducting the operation against the Maoists.
This incident occurred merely two days before the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections in Ranchi, Giridih, Dhanbad, and Jamshedpur constituencies. Given the electoral context, heightened vigilance and extensive patrolling are being implemented in Naxal-affected border regions to ensure fair, transparent, and safe elections.
Earlier this month, a similar encounter in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district resulted in the demise of three Maoists, including two females, during an exchange of fire with security forces.
