22 Naxals killed in encounters, 103 arrested since January: Jharkhand DGP

Jharkhand Police chief Tadasha Mishra on Saturday said 103 Naxalites were arrested, 46 surrendered, and 22 were killed in police encounters since January.

Addressing an event at the state police headquarters here to mark India's 80th Independence Day, she said the Jharkhand Police has significantly weakened the challenge posed by Naxalism.

As many as 98 weapons, 7,470 cartridges, 11 kg of explosives, three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and extortion money amounting to Rs 6 lakh were also recovered during the period, the DGP said.

"The Jharkhand Police has significantly weakened the challenge of Naxalism in the state with indomitable courage, valour, professional strategy, and sustained operations.

As a result, a total of 103 Naxalites were arrested from January to August 5, while 46 rebels surrendered and 22 were killed in police encounters," Mishra said.

Among top Maoist leaders, CPI (Maoist) Politburo member Misir Besra, who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore, was arrested, while the proscribed outfit's Central Committee member Patiram Manjhi was killed in a police encounter.

The DGP asserted police have a zero-tolerance policy against organised crime. "A total of 193 members of criminal gangs were arrested from January to July, while 63 weapons were seized from them," she added.

Mishra claimed police have been taking consistent and effective action to prevent cybercrime and curb drug trafficking.