Saranda last haven of rebels in state

Ranchi: The Saranda forest has emerged as the final major stronghold of Maoists in Jharkhand, harbouring several top leaders and around 50 squad members.

ADGP Sanjay Lathkar said, "Saranda remains the only place with double-digit Maoist presence. Their numbers in other areas are minimal."

Key leaders present in Saranda include politburo member Misir Besra, central committee member Anal, and special area committee members Anmol and Ajay Mahto.

Others include regional committee member Mehnat, special committee members Santosh, Ashwin, and Amit Hansda, along with sub-zonal committee members Rappa Munda, Laloo, and Rabi Sarda. Area commanders Sagen Angaria, Karan, and Amrit are also present.

Police reports indicate that smaller Maoist groups, numbering four to five members, are operating in Neterhaat (Latehar) and the Chatra-Palamau border. Splinter groups such as the People Liberation Front of India are active on the Khunti-Chaibasa border, while the Tritiya Prastuti Committee and JJMP operate along the Latehar-Palamu border.

IG (Operations) Amol Homkar said, "Sustained security operations over the past five years have reduced extremist-affected districts to just one – Chaibasa – in 2025. Most top leaders of Maoist and splinter groups have been arrested, killed, or have surrendered. Security forces have successfully cleared the Maoist eastern regional bureau in Kolhan through regular operations. Under DGP Anurag Gupta's leadership, we are launching the final offensive to eliminate the outfit from the Saranda area of Chaibasa."