In a significant breakthrough against Naxalite insurgency, police and paramilitary forces gunned down five hardcore Naxals in an intense encounter under the Gua Thana area in West Singhbhum district, approximately 160 km from Chaibasa, on Monday morning. Among the deceased were key Naxal leaders and a female rebel, dealing a substantial blow to the Naxalite movement in the region.
According to sources, the operation was initiated following credible intelligence inputs indicating the presence of a substantial number of Naxals entrenched in the dense forests of Gua. Acting swiftly on this information, the police, in coordination with paramilitary forces, launched a meticulous search operation in the forested area.
As the paramilitary units conducted their search, they came under heavy fire from the Naxalites. The forces promptly retaliated, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire that resulted in the death of five Naxals. The deceased include high-ranking cadres, though their precise identities are still being verified.
During the encounter, two Naxals, including another female rebel, were injured. The forces also recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the site, indicating the preparedness and the threat posed by the Naxal group.
Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Shekhar, confirmed the successful operation and the casualties inflicted on the Naxal side. “A fierce encounter has taken place in Gua, resulting in the death of four hardcore Naxals today. The details about the background of the dead Naxals are being verified,” he stated. He also emphasized that reinforcements have been deployed to the encounter site to intensify the ongoing anti-insurgency operations.
This encounter marks the first significant Naxal casualty event in the Kolhan forest division since a large number of CPI-Maoist rebels infiltrated the area in January 2023. The Kolhan forest division, known for its dense and challenging terrain, has been a strategic location for Naxalite activities. The successful operation by the security forces is expected to disrupt Naxalite operations and diminish their influence in the region.
The local administration has urged residents of the area to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities by reporting any suspicious activities. The police and paramilitary forces continue to maintain a strong presence in the region, ensuring the safety and security of the inhabitants while preventing any resurgence of Naxalite activities.
As the operation progresses, further details about the identities of the deceased Naxals and their operational roles within the CPI-Maoist framework are anticipated.
