Jharkhand: Security forces thwart Maoist attempt to hoist 'black flag' during Republic Day in Saranda, munition recovered

Jharkhand Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans recovered huge cache of munition after an encounter with CPI-Maoist cadres at Saranda forest in West Singhbhum district.

A senior CRPF commandant told News Nation that an anti-insurgency operation was launched at forest area near Seomari village under Karaikela police station limits on late Thursday night after they received intelligence inputs regarding Maoists gearing up to hoist black flag during Republic Day.

“Early in the morning, Maoists camping near Seomari forest indiscriminately fired at the joint security forces. We also retaliated with full force. The gunbattle lasted for almost three hours,” added the officer.

The Maoists taking benefit of the jungle terrain managed to flee. However, security forces recovered  several .303 rifle,  country made pistols,  several rounds of ammunition,  detonators,  cordex wire, bomb making materials.

Also read: 4 Police personnel killed, 7 injured in encounter with CPI-Maoists in Chhattisgarh

“At least 100 Maoist rebels were camping at Seomari and it was being led by dreaded zonal commander Jeevan Kandulna,” said the CRPF officer.