Three Maoists gunned down in Jharkhand’s Gumla during encounter

New Delhi -  Three Maoists belonging to the banned outfit Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) were killed in a gunfight with police and security forces in Jharkhand’s Gumla district on Wednesday morning.

The encounter occurred in the dense forests of Kechki under Bishunpur police station. Those killed were identified as Lalu Lohra, Chhotu Oraon, and Sujeet Oraon. Both Lohra and Chhotu were sub-zonal commanders carrying a reward of ?5 lakh each, while Sujeet was an active cadre.

Police recovered an AK-47 rifle from Lalu Lohra along with several other weapons and ammunition. A search operation is underway in the surrounding forests to track down more insurgents.

This was the fourth major anti-Maoist operation in September, raising the month’s death toll of Naxalites to eight. In total, 32 Maoists have been eliminated in 2025 so far, with police estimating about 100–150 still active across the state.

Police records also list 13 top Maoists still at large, including Misir Besra, Patiram Manjhi, and Aseem Mandal, each carrying bounties of ?1 crore. The biggest operation this year took place on April 21 in Bokaro’s Luggu Pahad, when eight Maoists, including ?1 crore rewardee Prayag Manjhi alias Vivek, were neutralised.

Authorities have vowed to make Jharkhand completely Naxal-free by March 2026 through sustained joint operations with central paramilitary forces.

With inputs from IANS