After a brief lull, the West Singhbhum district witnessed a fierce encounter between police, paramilitary forces, and a Naxal squad in the dense Saranda jungle on Wednesday. The clash, which lasted for several hours with intermittent firing, resulted in the recovery of several firearms left behind by the retreating rebels.
The encounter reportedly took place between paramilitary forces and a Naxal group led by the notorious rebel leader Anmol Da, who is among the top leaders of the outlawed CPI-Maoist. Anmol Da, known for orchestrating several high-profile attacks, has been evading capture in the Saranda forest for years. He carries a hefty reward of Rs 1 crore on his head.
According to initial reports, the paramilitary forces were conducting a routine patrol when they encountered the Naxal squad deep within the Saranda jungle. The rebels, heavily armed and well-prepared, engaged the forces in a prolonged gunfight. Despite their initial resistance, the Naxals were forced to retreat, leaving behind a cache of weapons.
The firefight, described as intense and sustained, saw the paramilitary forces utilizing superior firepower, which ultimately compelled the Naxals to abandon their positions. Witnesses from nearby villages reported hearing gunshots and explosions throughout the morning, creating a sense of alarm and urgency in the region.
West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashutosh Shekhar confirmed the encounter but refrained from providing detailed information immediately. “There was an encounter with the Naxals in Saranda this morning. The Naxals fled the scene after a while leaving some of their weapons. The firearms recovered from the encounter scene are being assessed,” said the SP, adding that a detailed press release would be issued later.
Anmol Da, a feared and influential figure within the CPI-Maoist hierarchy, has been a thorn in the side of law enforcement agencies for years. His strategic acumen and deep understanding of guerrilla warfare have allowed him to evade capture repeatedly. The Saranda forest, known for its dense foliage and difficult terrain, has served as a perfect hideout for him and his followers.
Under his leadership, the Naxals have orchestrated several attacks on security forces, targeting police stations, paramilitary camps, and government installations. His ability to mobilize and lead large groups of armed rebels has made him one of the most wanted figures in the region.
Village elders and local leaders are urging the government to increase security measures and ensure the safety of civilians in the aftermath of the encounter. “We are glad that the security forces are taking action against the Naxals, but we also fear for our safety. The government must ensure that we are protected from any retaliatory attacks,” said a local villager.
The encounter in Saranda is part of a broader strategy by the government to combat Naxalism in the region. Security forces have been intensifying operations, conducting regular patrols, and setting up new camps to curb the movement and influence of Naxal groups.
Authorities believe that the retreat of the Naxals and the recovery of their weapons is a significant setback for the rebel group. The seized firearms are being analyzed to gather more intelligence on the Naxals' capabilities and future plans.
