Security forces killed three CPI (Maoist) cadres in an early morning encounter in Gumla district on Wednesday. The operation, led by Gumla police with support from Jharkhand Jaguar and Quick Reaction Teams, was launched after intelligence inputs confirmed Maoist presence in forests near Daspahi and Rogaritoli under Bishunpur police station.
The deceased were identified as Lalu Lohra of Lohardaga, Chhotu Oraon of Latehar, and Sujit Oraon of Lohardaga. Lalu and Chhotu, both sub-zonal commanders, carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh each. Authorities recovered firearms from the site, including an AK-56 rifle, an INSAS rifle, and an SLR rifle, along with ammunition and other materials.
Police said the encounter began after a squad of six to seven Maoists was spotted near the Lohardaga-Gumla border. When security forces approached their hideout in Rogaritoli village, the Maoists opened fire. The exchange, though brief, was intense. While some militants managed to flee into the forest, the bodies of three cadres were recovered during a follow-up combing operation.
Gumla Superintendent of Police Haris Bin Zaman confirmed the deaths, calling the encounter a major success in the district’s ongoing anti-Maoist efforts. No casualties were reported among security personnel. The operation was conducted under the directives of the Director General of Police, Jharkhand, with senior STF and district police officers supervising the action.
The slain Maoists had criminal records, including cases under the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, and Chhota Nagpur Land Act, registered in Lohardaga, Gumla, and Chatra districts. Police said the Maoists had gathered to plan a major strike, and the swift response prevented potential attacks.
This year, Gumla police, in coordination with Jharkhand Jaguar, have neutralised more than half a dozen armed extremists. Key figures, including zonal and sub-zonal commanders, have either been killed, arrested, or forced to surrender in recent months. Among them was PLFI supremo Martin Kerketa, with a reward of Rs 15 lakh, neutralised in Gumla in August. Several others, including area commanders, surrendered in Latehar earlier this month.
Officials noted that the CPI (Maoist) presence in Gumla has been significantly weakened. “This encounter is part of our sustained campaign against extremism. The organisation is now on the verge of collapse,” a Gumla police statement said.