A Maoist leader carrying a bounty of Rs 10 lakh was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district early Sunday, police said.
The slain leader, identified as Amit Hansda alias Aptan, was long wanted for his role in multiple Maoist operations in the state, police added. His death marks a significant blow to Maoist activities in the region.
“Security forces had specific intelligence about the presence of Maoist cadres near Relapara in the Burjua Hills. When our teams moved in early morning hours, they came under heavy fire from the extremists. The forces retaliated, and during the gunfight, Aptan was neutralized,” said West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Pars Rana.
Police said Hansda’s body was later recovered from the site along with several weapons and explosives. His name figured on the list of most wanted Maoist commanders in Jharkhand, and authorities had earlier announced a reward of ₹10 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
Security forces believe several other Maoist members managed to escape deeper into the forest during the encounter. A search operation is underway to track them down, police officials said.
The encounter is the latest in a string of intensified anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand. Earlier this month, police launched a separate operation to capture another senior Maoist leader, Shashikant Ganjhu, who had come to his native village Keda to participate in the traditional Karma festival.
That attempt led to a fierce gunbattle between security forces and Maoist cadres. Three policemen were injured in the crossfire, and two later succumbed to their injuries. The incident highlighted the continuing threat posed by Maoists in the state’s forested districts.
Hansda’s death, however, is being seen by security officials as a significant success in their campaign. “This encounter is a major setback to the Maoist network in West Singhbhum. Operations will continue until the remaining cadres are neutralized,” SP Rana said.
Maoist groups, also known as Naxals, have waged a decades-long insurgency across several states in India’s mineral-rich but impoverished heartland. Jharkhand, along with Chhattisgarh and Odisha, has been among the worst-affected regions.
Despite repeated crackdowns, Maoists continue to operate in remote forested belts, targeting security forces and infrastructure. Authorities said Sunday’s encounter shows that their presence, though weakened, remains a challenge.
