By The Sampadak Express
In a major breakthrough in anti-Naxal operations, security forces gunned down eight Maoists during a fierce encounter early Monday morning in the Lugu Hills area of the Lalpania region in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district. The operation involved elite CoBRA commandos of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police personnel.
According to senior security officials, the encounter began around 5:30 AM following actionable intelligence about the movement of approximately 20 to 25 armed cadres of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). Among those reportedly present at the location were several top-ranking Maoist leaders, including Vivek alias Prayag Manjhi, a Central Committee member who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head.
Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta addressed the media at a press conference, confirming the elimination of eight Maoists. So far, the bodies of three prominent Maoist operatives have been positively identified:
Vivek alias Prayag Manjhi – Central Committee Member, carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore.
Arvind Yadav – Special Area Committee Member.
Saheb Ram Manjhi – Zonal Committee Member, with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh.”
The identification process of the remaining five deceased Maoists is underway. The search operation is still active in the region, and further details will be shared as they become available,” said DGP Gupta.
During the post-encounter combing operation, security forces recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the site. The seized weapons include four INSAS rifles, one Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), and one revolver, among other materials.
This successful operation marks a major setback for the Maoist insurgency in Jharkhand, particularly in Bokaro, which has seen sporadic Maoist activity over the years. Officials noted that such operations are a result of increased coordination, actionable intelligence, and robust ground-level surveillance in sensitive zones.
DGP Gupta also announced that a total reward amounting to Rs 1.35 crore will be distributed among the personnel involved in the operation, in recognition of their bravery and effective action.
Security forces continue to search the area to ensure no further threats remain and to apprehend any surviving Maoist cadres attempting to flee or regroup.
