31 Maoists active in Jharkhand, police trace recent locations
Sources within the police department indicate that more than 20 cadres of the banned CPI (Maoist) have already surrendered to security agencies, choosing to give up violence and rejoin mainstream society.
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The Maoist insurgency, once a powerful and feared presence across large swathes of Jharkhand, has now been whittled down to just 31 most-wanted operatives, including 15 individuals still evading capture in the Saranda and tri-junction regions.
Police officials noted that the arrest of Maoist commander Ajay Mahto, who carried a bounty of Rs 25 lakh, along with Ravindra Ganjhu, wanted for Rs 20 lakh, has sent ripples through the Saranda region. Amid sustained pressure and ongoing operations by security forces in the area, several Maoists are reportedly seeking refuge in this rugged, border terrain in an effort to preserve what remains of their network.
So far in 2026, twenty-two Maoists have been killed in encounters, with the Saranda region accounting for the highest toll. A single encounter alone claimed 17 Naxalite lives, coinciding with the surrender of another 25 cadres, a combination that severely weakened the group's presence in the area. This is said to have triggered panic among remaining members, several of whom attempted to flee the forest, only to be apprehended in the process.
Security forces have received fresh intelligence pinpointing the recent whereabouts of several key figures, including top Politburo and Central Committee members carrying bounties of Rs 1 crore each, as well as various regional commanders. Forces have called on them to surrender without delay.
Senior officials within the Jharkhand Police have suggested that another significant surrender may be imminent in the state. Sources within the police department indicate that more than 20 cadres of the banned CPI (Maoist) have already surrendered to security agencies, choosing to give up violence and rejoin mainstream society. The surrender process is said to be complete, with an official announcement expected shortly.
Police officials noted that the arrest of Maoist commander Ajay Mahto, who carried a bounty of Rs 25 lakh, along with Ravindra Ganjhu, wanted for Rs 20 lakh, has sent ripples through the Saranda region. Amid sustained pressure and ongoing operations by security forces in the area, several Maoists are reportedly seeking refuge in this rugged, border terrain in an effort to preserve what remains of their network.
Senior officials added that operational focus has now shifted toward apprehending the remaining top Maoist leadership, dismantling their financial channels, recovering weapons caches, and neutralizing active armed squads.
So far in 2026, twenty-two Maoists have been killed in encounters, with the Saranda region accounting for the highest toll. A single encounter alone claimed 17 Naxalite lives, coinciding with the surrender of another 25 cadres, a combination that severely weakened the group's presence in the area. This is said to have triggered panic among remaining members, several of whom attempted to flee the forest, only to be apprehended in the process.