Six Naxals reportedly killed in joint CRPF-CoBRA operation in Jharkhand

As many as six Naxals have reportedly been killed in an ongoing joint operation by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jharkhand Police in the Lugu Hills of Bokaro district. The encounter began early Monday morning, and intermittent firing is still underway, as per reports.

The operation, led by the elite 209 Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), reportedly began around 5:30 am. Security forces recovered two INSAS rifles, a self-loading rifle (SLR), and a pistol from the site. No casualties have been reported among the troops so far.

According to the Jharkhand Director General of Police, a total of eight Naxals have been killed in recent operations, including a top Maoist commander, Vivek, who reportedly carried a bounty of ₹1 crore.

This encounter is part of a wider offensive launched in early March targeting Naxal-affected zones across Jharkhand, including the Saranda, Podahat, and Kolhan forest belts. The coordinated push involves multiple units, including Chaibasa Police, CoBRA, Jharkhand Jaguar, and other CRPF teams.

The latest operation follows a deadly ambush on 12 April, in which a Jharkhand Jaguar constable was killed and a CoBRA jawan critically injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the Radhapora forest. The explosion was reportedly followed by heavy gunfire as forces responded to intelligence on Naxal movement in the area.

Addressing reporters on 13 April, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated that the fight against Naxalism is in its final phase. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the insurgency.

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