DSP rank officers not participating in Naxal anti-campaign

Ranchi: In Jharkhand, it has been revealed that DSP rank officers, who are posted in Jharkhand Jaguar and deputed for Naxal operations, are not participating in the ongoing Naxal anti-campaign. This came to light during a review meeting held by the DGP regarding the Naxal operations. It was found that sub-inspectors and inspectors are leading the Naxal counter-campaign instead of DSP rank officers. Senior police officials have expressed their dissatisfaction with this and have directed that DSPs must participate in the Naxal campaign under all circumstances.

Currently, only five districts in the state, including Giridih, Gumla, Latehar, Lohardaga, and West Singhbhum, remain Naxal-affected. It is worth mentioning that West Singhbhum is the only district from Jharkhand among the 12 most Naxal-affected districts across five states in the country.

The Naxal problem in Jharkhand is said to have reduced by 95%. However, after the weakening of the CPI Maoist group, smaller criminal and extremist groups have emerged, engaging in extortion and violence. These groups demand money through WhatsApp calls from businessmen and are involved in incidents like vehicle arson and shooting.

Active Naxal groups in the state include the ones led by Misir Besra, Patiram Manjhi, Singrai, and Ajay Mahato in the Jarikela and Tonto police station areas of West Singhbhum, with around 65 Naxal cadres. Another group in the Goilkera and Sonuva police station areas is led by Mehnat and Amit Munda, with 30 cadres. Smaller groups are active in Bokaro, Latehar, Chatra, and Palamu districts as well.

In the Saranda forest, several top Naxal leaders, including Misir Besra, Anmol, Mochu, Anil, Aseem Mandal, and Ajay Mahato, are reported to be hiding with their teams. Based on this information, the Chaiabasa police have been conducting operations against the Naxals, in which the Jharkhand Police, along with the CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguar, and Cobra Battalion, are involved.