Top Maoist Commander Tulsi Bhuiyan Killed in Encounter in Jharkhand’s Palamu

Palamu – In a significant breakthrough for security forces in the ongoing anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand, senior Maoist commander Tulsi Bhuiyan was killed in an encounter in Palamu district, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The intense gunfight, which began late Monday night in the Hussainabad subdivision, continued into Tuesday morning.

An SLR rifle was recovered from the site of the encounter. While official details are still being confirmed, initial reports indicate that several other Maoists may have been injured or killed during the clash.

Security forces have launched an extensive search operation across the area to track down any remaining insurgents.

Senior officials, including Palamu Superintendent of Police Rishma Rameshan and high-ranking CRPF officers, were present at the encounter site.

According to sources, the operation was initiated based on intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoist commander Nitesh, who carries a Rs 15 lakh reward, along with his squad in Sitachuan — a dense forest area on the border of Mohammadganj and Haidernagar police station limits.

Another wanted Maoist, Sanjay Godram, with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh, is believed to be part of the same group.

As security forces approached the location, the Maoists opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

This encounter comes a day after a similar operation in the Netarhat police station area of neighbouring Latehar district, where Maoist commander Manish Yadav, who had a Rs 5 lakh reward on his head, was killed. Additionally, Maoist Kundan Kharwar, carrying a Rs 10 lakh bounty, was arrested during that operation.

Earlier on May 24, in an encounter in Ichwar forest of Latehar, Maoists Pappu Lohara (Rs 10 lakh reward) and Prabhat Lohara (Rs 5 lakh reward) were killed, and another injured Maoist was apprehended.

In a major operation on April 21 in the Lugu Hill area of Lalpania in Bokaro district, eight Maoists, including commander Prayag Manjhi — who had a Rs 1 crore reward on his head — were killed by security forces.

With inputs from IANS