2 Maoists Killed, CoBRA Jawan Martyred in Fierce Jharkhand Encounter During Anti-Naxal Operation
Bokaro, Jharkhand | July 17, 2025 — Two Maoists were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in the early hours of Wednesday in the dense forests of Birhordera, located under Gomia police station limits in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district. A jawan of the CRPF’s elite CoBRA-209 battalion was also martyred during the exchange of gunfire, according to official sources.
The operation is part of the intensified anti-Naxal campaign launched by Jharkhand Police and central forces, aimed at rooting out Maoist influence from the region by the end of 2025.
Encounter Details: Heavy Gunfire in Dense Forest
Based on specific intelligence inputs about Maoist movement in the area, a joint team of state police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units launched a combing operation around 6 a.m. on Wednesday.
“As our team advanced through the forested terrain, they came under sudden and intense fire from Maoist cadres,” a senior police official said.
In the retaliatory gunbattle, two Maoists were gunned down. One was found wearing a uniform, indicating a possible leadership role or combatant status, while the other was in civilian attire, police added.
An AK-47 assault rifle was recovered from the encounter site.
CoBRA Jawan Succumbs to Injuries
During the operation, a jawan from the CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) unit was critically injured. Despite efforts to evacuate him for urgent medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.
“He fought bravely to the very end. We honour his sacrifice,” said an official from the CRPF.
The name of the martyred jawan is expected to be released after official notification and family communication.
Operation Continues: Maoist Presence Under Pressure
Security forces have not called off the operation, as combing efforts continue in the surrounding forest to track down any remaining Maoists who may have fled the scene during the firefight.
“We believe a larger group was present, and the encounter may have disrupted a Maoist hideout or gathering,” sources in the Jharkhand Police stated.
The identities of the slain Maoists are yet to be confirmed, but officials believe at least one may be a local commander or senior cadre based on preliminary intelligence and recovered weapons.
Jharkhand’s Intensified Crackdown on Maoist Insurgency
Jharkhand Police, with support from central paramilitary forces, has stepped up counter-insurgency operations in recent months. According to official data:
- 16 Maoists have been killed in encounters this year.
- 10 have surrendered.
- Dozens of hideouts and weapon caches have been neutralized.
In contrast, 2024 saw the arrest of 244 Maoists, with nine killed in action and 24 surrendering, including key leaders:
- 4 zonal commanders
- 1 sub-general commander
- 3 area commanders
These figures highlight the growing pressure on Maoist groups, particularly in districts like Bokaro, Latehar, Khunti, and West Singhbhum.
Amit Shah’s 2026 Deadline for Maoist-Free India
The encounter in Bokaro comes amid a larger national push to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) from Indian soil. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier declared that India would be free from the Maoist threat by March 2026.
Shah cited improved coordination between central and state agencies, greater technological support in jungle warfare, and a rise in surrenders and intelligence breakthroughs as signs of progress.
The Road Ahead
Jharkhand remains one of the most Maoist-affected states in India. However, officials are optimistic that continued pressure, combined with developmental outreach in vulnerable areas, can bring lasting peace.
“This encounter is both a tragedy and a reminder of the stakes involved. We mourn our brave jawan and reaffirm our commitment to eradicating Maoist violence from our soil,” a senior security official said.