Jharkhand Timeline 2016

Date

Incidents

January 2

CRPF and District Armed Force personnel conducted a raid in Beyand village under Manika Police Station limits in Latehar District and arrested an 'area commander' of CPI-Maoist, identified as Kunwar Yadav alias Baleshwar Yadav. According to SP Anup Birtheray, Kunwar worked under Sub-Zonal commander Shravan Yadav before becoming area commander.

Jharkhand Police killed two cadres including 'one top commander' of PLFI in an operation at Mahabuang in Simdega District. The Police claimed possession of the extremists' bodies. "They are yet to be identified. An AK-47 and one .315 rifle were recovered from them," DIG South Chhotanagpur zone Arun Kumar Singh said.

Two persons having suspected links with PLFI were abducted and killed by PLFI cadres in Khunti District. They abducted the two from Sondari village under Torpa Police Station limits on the intervening night of January 4 and 5 and shot them dead. According to the villagers the victims had links with PLFI and were suspected to have been killed for snapping ties with it.

Five additional SPs will likely be deployed in CPI-Maoist-hit districts to tackle the threat posed by the extremist activities, said sources. The officers may enjoy the status of ASP (operations) in Districts and lead the anti-Maoist operations planned to target the rebels. Jharkhand Police Spokesperson S.N. Pradhan said the officers would help in prompt and smooth conduct of operations against Maoists. "I have interviewed five of them and found them suitable for deployment in anti-Maoist operations. They have also expressed willingness to join," said Pradhan.

CPI-Maoist 'area commander' Uday Ganjhu was arrested from Niri forests of Keredari block in Hazaribagh District. Ganjhu, who had a reward of INR 300, 000 on head, was wanted in many cases in Keredari and Barkagaon in Hazaribagh District, and also in Chatra District.

SFs exchanged fire with cadres of the CPI-Maoist at Kurunga forests under Arki Police Station area in Khunti District. After the encounter, the SFs recovered 36 IEDs from the encounter site. "Four 14kg gas cylinders, four 5kg gas cylinders, two pressure cookers and 24 milk cans of 250ml capacity were used to prepare the IEDs. Apart from the IEDs, 20kg of cordex wire, which is used to connect the IEDs with exploders, were also recovered. There were 600 rounds of live cartridges besides one INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifles, one .303 rifle and one .315 rifle," SP Anish Kumar Gupta said.

A CPI-Maoist training camp was busted by a joint team of CRPF and Khunti District Police in Arki block of the District following a brief encounter with the Maoists in the afternoon. "The team had busted the camp on Friday evening, but by the time we collected all the recovered items it was late night," Khunti SP Anish Gupta said. ASP (Operations) PR Mishra said "Targeting the advancing party, Maoists opened fire. None of the bullets, however, hit our men." After the Maoists left, Police searched the area and found a 1,000m codex wire, many electric wires, 25 can bombs, one tiffin bomb, two pressure cooker bombs and four LGP cylinders. Two of the LPG cylinders were wrapped in codex wire. "The Maoists use LPG cylinders to make powerful bombs. One bomb is enough to blow up a police vehicle," said Police.

A suspected Naxal identified as Baleshwar Soren, was arrested from an abandoned airport at Chakulia in Ghatsila Sub-division of East Singhbhum District. The OIC of Chakulia Police Station Dilip Paswan said a country-made pistol and LWE literature were recovered from his possession. Soren was having links with Kanu Munda-led squad of the CPI-Maoist, said the Police official.

Jharkhand Police seized around INR 15 million cash from four Naxals in Chatra District. The four LWEs have been arrested.

An encounter took place between SFs personnel and the CPI-Maoist cadres in Danglapahar forest area of Ghatshila Sub-division in East Singhbhum District. The SFs on receiving information about the presence of Maoist Kanu Munda in the jungle area raided the Danglapahar spot but failed to arrest any suspected Maoist. The team comprising District Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel found towel, torch and clothes among other things from the site.

A CPI-Maoist 'area committee member' identified as Vikas Parahiya who had actively worked for the Maoists for the past six years or so and was involved in several ambushes, was arrested from Chhipadohar area of Latehar District. A rifle and cartridges were recovered from Vikas.

A CPI-Maoist 'sub-zonal commander', carrying a reward of INR 500,000 on his head, identified as Jagnarayan Yadav alias Vishal ji, was arrested during a special operation from Thekhi village in Palamau District. SP Mayur Patel said a self-loaded pistol and three rounds of ammunition were recovered from the possession of Yadav.

A self-styled 'zonal Commander' of the PLFI identified as Baidhyanath Yadav alias Sudhirji was arrested by the Police from Kasmar village under Panki area in Palamau District. DySP Prabhat Ranjan Burward said that six country-made rifles of .315 bore, 62 rounds live cartridges, 18 letter pads of the organisation, 20 receipts, a diary containing name and number of prominent persons, three mobile phones and a sim, among others were seized from his possession.

SF personnel exchanged heavy gunfire with the 'dasta' (firing squad) of CPI-Maoist 'commander' Arvind at Budha Pahad under Garu Police Station in Latehar District of Jharkhand. After the firing stopped, Police carried out a search operation and found a Maoist camp. Four landmines, 500 metres of wire, nine detonators, one small Honda generator, 19 blankets, Maoist literature, kitchen utensils, medicines and also tent materials were recovered from the encounter site.

Four persons, identified as Ghanshyam Mehta, Mukesh Kumar, Pankaj Mehta and Neeraj Thakur, were arrested with explosives by the SFs from Ichak area in Hazaribagh District of Jharkhand.

Four Naxalites were arrested with a cache of firearms from Gaya District in Bihar and adjoining Chatra District in Jharkhand. SP (City) Raviranjan Kumar told webindia123.com in Gaya that two dreaded Naxalites of PLFI, a breakaway group of the CPI-Maoist were arrested at Raniganj village under Imamganj Police Station area in the District. On their interrogation, Police conducted raids at Jori village in Chatra District of Jharkhand and arrested two Maoist cadres. A pistol, three mobile phones and other incriminating objects were recovered from their possession. The arrested cadres were identified as Upendra Vishwakarma, Sanjeet Yadav, Dilip Singh and Pravin Kumar.

Two cadres of the PLFI-a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist, identified as Amit alias Birsa and Julius Lugun alias Julu, were arrested during a search operation at Rania in Khunti District of Jharkhand. Khunti SP Anish Gupta was tipped off that PLFI 'zonal commander' Jeedan Gudia and his associates had assembled in a forest on the outskirts of Khudbir village in Rania to work out future course of actions. "When our boys reached the forest around 3.30pm and asked them to surrender, they abused them and started fleeing towards northern end of the woods. Amit and Julius were caught after a hot chase. However, Jeedan and his fourteen other associates managed to escape. We have launched an intensive search operation in that area," SP Gupta said. Police recovered a rifle, many cartridges, 10 cell phones, a backpack and military fatigues from them.

In a search operation, Maoist literature, items of daily use, ammonium nitrate and battery connectors, used for explosions, were recovered by Police in Kathikund in Dumka District of Jharkhand. SP Vipul Shukla said they were carrying out search operations in different parts of the District for the last four days.

The CPI-Maoist has given a call for 24-hour Bihar-Jharkhand bandh on Republic Day (from January 25 midnight) to protest killing of their colleagues in an encounter with SF personnel at Band Goreya village under Dhibra Police Station in Aurangabad District of Bihar on January 8. CPI-Maoist spokesperson Mannas said the bandh will start from January 25 midnight and will continue for the next 24 hours. He said emergency services have been exempted from the bandh. Mannas said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar led-Grand Alliance government in Bihar has extended full support to 'Operation Greenhunt'.

Two cadres of Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad were killed by a rival group in Palamau District. Police recovered the bodies of the two JJMP cadres from Chando-Basriya village under Chainpur Police Station area of the District. The bodies have been identified as that of JJMP 'area commander' Chanchal Paswan and his associate Kamlesh Paswan.

A group of suspected Maoists set ablaze a portion of an under construction mobile tower at Chhatarpur area in Palamu District. Palamu DIG Saket Kumar Singh said that three suspected Maoists on a two-wheeler also damaged a solar panel used for powering the mobile tower.

Two can bombs, weighing one kilogram each, planted by the Maoists was found near a school at Kurum village under Bhandariya Police Station limits in Garhwa District.

A 'section commander' of TPC identified as Narendra Singh alias Dara Singh was arrested by Pipra Tarn Police team in Palamu District.

A 'sub-zonal commander' of TPC identified as Munna Singh alias Munna Ganjhu alias Ganjhu was arrested in Manatu block of Palamu District.

Seven Policemen were killed while eight others were injured in a landmine blast by the CPI-Maoist at Chattarpur Block in Palamu District. The SF personnel were going towards the Kalapahari area in a convoy when their vehicle came under attack. The Jharkhand Police had corned a group of Maoists around Kalapahari area in Chattarpur Block of the District two days ago. The Police and Maoists have since been engaged in encounter. "This afternoon, at around 2 pm, there was heavy exchange of fire between the forces and Maoists and we were rushing in reinforcements, when they were attacked," said an unnamed Jharkhand Police officer.

Admitting that critical Police lapses during the combing operation caused a 13-member contingent driving through dense Kalapahari forests to fall in the CPI-Maoist trap, State DGP D.K. Pandey, who flew to Palamau headquarters in Daltonganj, to pay his tributes to slain troopers at Chhatarpur Block in Palamu District, said, "While carrying out operations in a remote area, the police should have used an anti-landmine vehicle instead of moving around in a Tata 407 mini truck. Adequate backup for unprecedented eventualities was also not taken care of."

Two days after the landmine blast at Hussainabad in Palamu District, Maoists, claimed the incident took place to avenge the Bandh Gorya encounter under the Dhibra Police Station area in Aurangabad District of Bihar, in which four Maoists were killed. A statement released on behalf of CPI-Maoist central zone spokesman Pramjeet claimed that the organization would launch 'Operation Break' against SF personnel and engage them in encounters to give them a befitting reply. He added the Police were cheating the people in the name of 'Operation Vishwas' launched to generate a sense of security among them.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres, who had apparently come to intimidate workers and contractors engaged in the widening of NH-23, were arrested from Beltand in Bokaro District. A gun, a pistol and seven cartridges were found from them.

One civilian was killed in a cross firing between CPI-Maoist and PLFI cadres, at Pondegar under Bandgaon Police Station area in West Singhbhum District.

Suspected Naxals set ablaze eight vehicles engaged in road construction work at Ghatkuri and adjacent Pipri Sai Village under Gua Police Station area in West Singhbhum District.

Four PLFI supporters were arrested following a fierce encounter with the Police at Selundi village under Anandpur Police Station limits in West Singhbhum District. The Police also claimed to have injured at least one cadre during the encounter.

A former mukhiya of Murumguttu village in West Singhbhum District was killed by unidentified assailants near his house. SP Michael S. Raj said that PLFI cadres were suspected to have killed Rajendra Hapathgara (45) who was associated with the outfit.

A Maoist 'area commander' and a sympathiser of the outfit were arrested from different parts of Latehar District. Ravi Mochi, 'area commander' was arrested with a rifle, cartridges and Maoist literature from Palhaiya village in Manika block of the District while sympathiser Rahmatullah was arrested from Mahudanad village of the same District.

A PLFI cadre was killed in an encounter with Police in Topra block of Khunti District. Police said that following a tip-off a raid was carried out at an unspecified village of the block. A rifle, live cartridges and other things were seized from the encounter spot.

A CPI-Maoist cadre was killed and many others injured by Bokaro Police during an encounter at Dandra village forest area under Chatrochati Police Station limits in Bokaro District. The Police have recovered the body. Commenting on the encounter Bokaro DIG, Shambhu Thakur said one woman Maoist was also arrested. The SF personnel also recovered arms and ammunition including two 315 bore riffle, 7 live cartridges, large quantity of Maoist literature and others domestic use materials from the encounter spot.

A powerful landmine was recovered by the security personnel during a search operation on Pratappur-Gajwa main road under Pratappur Police Station area in Chatra District.

SF personnel found two country-made guns and CPI-Maoist literature after an exchange of fire with Maoists in the forest of Serengdag in Lohardaga District.

Two STF personnel posing as suppliers of AK-47 assault rifles have succeeded in arresting a CPI-Maoist self-styled 'sub-zonal commander', identified as Jitendra alias Tiger, in Simdega District. He belonged to the Aurangabad-Bhojpur sub-zone of the CPI-Maoist. Giving details, STF SP Shivdeep Lande said "A team of special intelligence group (SIG) of STF went to Simdega posing as suppliers of AK-47 and managed to trap Jitendra alias Tiger. The STF has handed him over to the local Police Station and Bihar Police will take him on transit remand."

The first day of the 48-hour CPI-Maoist bandh had no impact in Ranchi District. However, it had a partial impact on rural areas of the State. However, the bandh called by the CPI-Maoist Bihar State Committee resulted in the postponement of the matriculation and intermediate examinations, conducted by Jharkhand Academic Council, scheduled for February 16. Most business establishments in Gomia, Nawadih, Bermo and other areas remained close throughout. Commercial vehicles also remained off the roads, including long-distance buses. The bandh also disrupted transportation of coal, said sources.

Four cadres of the CPI-Maoist were killed following a nine-hour encounter with SFs in Taimara valley on NH-33 in Ranchi District and four firearms were seized, CRPF IG Rakesh Kumar Mishra confirmed. The Police have recovered four dead bodies and a process to identify them is on. All the four dead Maoists were in Maoist fatigue. Two CRPF troopers were injured in the initial hours of encounter.

Jharkhand Police identified the four Maoists who were killed in an encounter with SF personnel in Ranchi District. The male cadres were identified as Boida Pahan, a 'sub-zonal commander,' Hemant, a 'cadre' and Roshan. The woman cadre was identified as Alisha alias Sunita.

CPI-Maoist cadres blew up the Newadi Panchayat building at Dihi village in Latehar District and later on set ablaze a tower of a private telecom company at Chope village in the same District. The Maoists also pasted posters at the two villages.

An armed gang of the CPI-Maoist blew up a panchayat building at Balu under Balumath Police Station limits in Latehar District. Palamu DIG Saket K. Singh said the building did not suffer extensive damage. DIG Singh added that the Maoists also set ablaze a generator set of a private telecom company called Reliance on the same day in Latehar District.

Police busted a Maoist camp under Peshrar block of Lohardaga District during a joint operation with the CRPF. The Maoists were reportedly attending a meeting at Khadujharia village under Bagru Police Station limits. A few Maoists, positioned at a higher altitude, spotted the security personnel from a distance and alerted the others. All of them managed to flee. "We raided the place and found two IEDs, a loaded rifle, utility items, water bottles, and utensils. The Maoists took off with most of the items," said Lohardaga SP Kartik S.

Pakur SP Amarjit Balihar, who was among the six Police personnel killed in the 2013 CPI-Maoist blast, was not the real target of the Maoists but was in the wrong place at the wrong time, showed documents seized by Police from the possession of the slain Maoists after the Taimar Ghati encounter. "Maoists were keeping a watch on the movement of Security Forces on the Dumka-Pakur border. They had intelligence inputs that forces were likely to travel by the road in the afternoon following which an ambush was laid. The rebels sent a man in the area who would signal them if the patrol van was spotted," the document said.

A team of Police and CRPF personnel killed a 'zonal commander' of the CPI-Maoist identified as Sanjay Yadav alias Mantri ji alias Yatin ji in Kodebera village forest under Palkot block in Gumla District. The Maoist was carrying a bounty of INR One Million on his head. The SF personnel recovered the dead body from the encounter site and also recovered arms reportedly carried by the Maoist 'zonal commander'.

Three suspected CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested after a brief exchange of fire between the SFs and the Maoists in Khunti District.

Four powerful landmines were recovered in Latehar District. The explosives, each weighing 30 kilograms, were planted near the Tubed River under Sadar Police Station, SP Anup Birtheray said. They were planted with an aim to target the SFs during anti-Naxal operations, he said.

An IED was recovered by the SFs near Satbahini River under Pratappur Police Station in Chatra District.

SF personnel exchanged fire with PLFI squad at Bansjore in Simdega District. Security personnel launched a combing operation inside a forest in Bansjore area around 10 am following a tip-off on the movement of a group of PLFI cadres. "The encounter continued for a couple of hours. But our boys are still combing deep inside the forest. So far we have recovered five motorcycles, a rifle, some cartridges and items of daily use. Detailed reports are awaited," said Simdega SP Rajeev Ranjan Singh.

Maoist 'sub-zonal commander' Munnu Yadav alias Mutur Yadav and 'area commander' Sanjay Paswan alias Chhotu surrendered along with arms before STF Inspector-General Pravin Kumar Singh at the Police line in Chatra District. Yadav was carrying a 9mm pistol and Paswan came with a rifle. Yadav carried a reward of INR 500,000 on his head while Paswan carried head money of INR 200,000 reward.

A senior CPI-Maoist cadre, identified as 'commander' Chandmuni Hansda (42), was arrested near Giridih District bus stand. Hansda has been a member of the Maoists' armed squad for more than 16 years. She held the post of 'secretary' of the Nari Mukti Sangh (NMS), the women's wing of the CPI-Maoist, Santhal Paragana. She is the wife of Maoist leader Sitaram Murmu alias Nandlal Murmu alias Vijay Da, who is a Jharkhand Special Area Committee member of the CPI-Maoist.

Police arrested two CPI-Maoist cadres, identified as Sanju Oraon and Sandeep Sahu in Lohardaga District.

The CRPF has "destroyed" the Naxals' efforts to create a "red corridor" in the country and was able to restrict them to a few states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar, said the outgoing Chief of CRPF Prakash Mishra in Gurgaon. "CRPF has destroyed the dream of Maoists to establish a red corridor from Pashupati (in Nepal) to Tirupati (in south India) and mainly restricted them to some areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar," Mishra was quoted as saying by a CRPF spokesperson. Mishra said this while addressing the troops during his farewell parade at the forces' camp in Kadarpur area here, the spokesman said.

The Maoists have called 24-hour bandh to protest the killing of their 'zonal commander' Sanjay Yadav alias Mantriji alias Atinji during an encounter with the Police in Palkot area in Gumla District.

Jharkhand Police held two minors, who allegedly belonged to the CPI-Maoist bal dasta, following an encounter at Luggu Hill under Lalpania Police Station limits in Bokaro District.

A CPI-Maoist cadre was killed by members of his rival group in Lohardaga District. According to Police, the body of Maoist 'commander' Muslim Ansari was found at Sgahighat area of the District. A pistol and other incriminating documents were seized from him, the Police said, adding he might have been killed by the rival Maoist group.

Acting on a tip off, a joint team of CRPF and Jharkhand Police under 'Operation Finish' arrested a hardcore CPI-Maoist cadre, identified as Binod Yadav, at Kulhi village under Bhandariya Police Station limit in Garwah District.

A self-styled 'zonal commander' of the PLFI, identified as Amrit Yadav, was killed in an encounter with the district armed Police force in Palamau District. The encounter took place when the PLFI cadres, who were preparing meals, opened fire at the Police force approaching them in course of its special drive in the Naxal affected areas, ASP, Kanhaiya Singh, said. The Police said three rifles, some live cartridges and Maoist literature were recovered from the spot.

The 'chief' of Jharkhand Jan Mukti Morcha, identified as Mustaq alias Langra (35), was arrested from Bariyatu locality in Ranchi District. Mustaq was travelling in an SUV so that his movement did not invite suspicion. Police seized the SUV, five mobile phones and papers with extortion list from his possession.

A Maoist, identified as Beerbal Parhaiya (45), hurt in an accidental IED blast was arrested and jailed in Palamu District. Sources said Parhaiya was handling the Maoists' IEDs and was injured in an accidental blast.

The 'chief' of Jharkhand Sangharsh Jan Mukti Morcha, Diwalee Ganjhu, was killed in an encounter between Chandwa Police team and JSJMM cadres at Keeta village under Chandwa Police Station in Latehar District. Latehar SP Anoop Birtharey said Chandwa Police got a tip-off about the presence of three extremists of JSJMM at Keeta and carried out this operation which yielded the body of Ganjhu in the retaliatory shots.

Fifty-three people were executed by the CPI-Maoist after 'kangaroo courts' found them 'guilty' in the five worst Naxal-hit states of the country in the last three years. According to UMHA statistics, 18 civilians were killed following the directives of 'kangaroo courts' or 'Jan Adalats' in 2015 for being alleged 'Police informers' or "for not believing in Maoist ideology". During 2015, 41 'Jan Adalats' were held by Naxal cadres in five LWE affected states, Andhra Pradesh (1), Bihar (6), Chhattisgarh (14), Jharkhand (14) and Odisha (6). Altogether 15 civilians were executed in 2014 following orders of 54 'Jan Adalats' and 20 civilians were killed in 2013 under the directives of 63 'Jan Adalats'

In 2016, till February 15, two 'Jan Adalats' have been held in Chhattisgarh. While nearly one lakh paramilitary personnel continued to be deployed in LWE-affected areas, the 10 Naxal-hit states; Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, saw 226 deaths in 1,088 incidents of violence perpetrated by Maoists in 2015. In 2015, of the 226 deaths, 168 were civilians and 58 were SF personnel. As many as 89 Maoists were also killed and 1,668 were arrested and 570 cadres surrendered before authorities during the year.

A bodyguard of top CPI-Maoist leader Arvindji, identified as Sohan Yadav, has been arrested and remanded in jail in Latehar District.

17 people were abducted by the Naxals in the first two months of this year (2016) and they killed five of them, the UMHA informed the Lok Sabha. Of this, Jharkhand has the highest number of abductions and killings. While there were eight abductions in Jharkhand, two of them lost their lives at the hands of the CPI-Maoist. Chhattisgarh followed with four abductions and two killings. Last year (2015), there were 115 incidents of abduction by Maoists in which 62 people lost their lives. Chhattisgarh had the highest number of incidents at 39 followed by Jharkhand at 30.

53 people were executed by the Maoists after Jan Adalats found them "guilty" in the five worst LWE-hit States of the country in the last three years. Even as security agencies claim that the LWE spread in the country is shrinking, as per UMHA statistics, 18 people were killed following the directives of "kangaroo courts" in 2015 for being alleged Police informers or "for not believing in Maoist ideology." During 2015, 41 "Jan Adalats" were held by LWES in five LWE-affected States of Andhra Pradesh (1), Bihar (6), Chhattisgarh (14), Jharkhand (14) and Orissa (6). In 2014, Government statistics show that 15 people were executed following orders of 54 "Jan Adalats" and 20 people were killed in 2013 under the directives of 63 "Jan Adalats."

Security personnel during an anti-Maoist operation found firearms at Maluki village under Ghatsila Police Station limits in East Singhbhum District.

Two Maoists were arrested from a short distance from Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das's official residence in Ranchi District. The Maoists, identified as Devendra Kujur (32) and Bhawani Oraon (25) were working for Bihar-Jharkhand-North-Chhattisgarh 'special area committee' member Vinay alias Bada Vikas alias Balkeshwar Oraon. INR 1.7 million in cash, two American Tourister backpacks, a pair of shoes, over 5kg of dry fruits, and snacks was found from the seized car.

At least four persons working on a road construction site were killed allegedly by PLFI cadres in a village under Basia Police Station limits of Gumla District. More than a dozen PLFI cadres reportedly reached Guram Dato Tola village around 11.30 am and opened indiscriminate firing. The deceases have been identified as Rampati Kumar, Ajay Topno, Lalit Sahu and Ravi Shankar Sahu.

The Hazaribagh District Police arrested six JPC cadres for running an extortion racket. The group used to threaten businessmen in and around Hazaribagh and seek levy even from NTPC, a federal government undertaking.

Three PLFI cadres were arrested from Jharkhand State capital Ranchi while they were on recce of a road construction site at NH 33.

The CPI-Maoist is recruiting children through lucky draw in Jharkhand where names are written down in small bits of paper and randomly picked. This is being dubbed as a new strategy adopted by the Maoists as with dwindling forces and unwilling parents, they have found a new recruitment strategy for child soldiers. Though they previously claimed that it does not recruit children below 16, the outfit however has boasted its 'bal dastas' or child soldiers, whom it claims have been 'gifted' by parents after being motivated by the organisation's friendly approach. In the past, the recruited children were mostly occupied in non-combat roles and were trained in computer and imparted other technical skills. But falling numbers of the armed group has forced them to introduce children in more risky situations, following which parents have become sceptical in 'gifting' their children to the insurgents. Elaborating on his daughter's plight who was forcibly taken away when she was 11, 38-year-old Fandu Munda said, "Six years later when she abandoned the rebel outfit to start life afresh, they accused her of being a Police informer and killed her."

SF personnel busted a PLFI camp inside a forest in Bano of Simdega District following an encounter with a PLFI squad apparently led by the outfit's 'chief' Dinesh Gope, which led to the recovery of a huge cache of arms, ammunition and items of daily use. Police said around 100 rounds of bullets were exchanged between the two sides during the encounter that broke out around 9.30 am atop a hillock in Marikel forests.

Police got at least 23 children out of Jamti village in Gumla District to a safe place after CPI-Maoist randomly picked them through lottery to swell the fighters' ranks with child soldiers. The Police operation came after The Hindustan Times highlighted on March 21 how Maoists were enlisting children for combat through public lotteries in select villages. The children, including 13 girls, were saved at the nick of time before the Maoists could take them away from their families.

Naxal activities continue to be a matter of concern with 35 Districts in seven states being badly-hit, according to the annual report of the UMHA for 2015-16. "Left Wing Extremism (LWE) remains an area of concern for internal security of the country," the report submitted to Parliament said. While 106 Districts in 10 States are affected by CPI-Maoist activities in varying degrees, 35 Districts in seven states are the most affected. "CPI (Maoist) continues to be the most potent among the various LWE outfits in the country and accounts for more than 80 per cent of total LWE violence incidents and resultant deaths," the report said.

A self-styled 'area commander' of the TPC, identified as Sawan Gounjhu alias Bhola Gounjhu (28), was arrested from McCluskieganj area in Ranchi District. Police recovered a country-made pistol, two live cartridges, two mobile phones, a two-wheeler and INR 5,000 in cash from him.

A CPI-Maoist 'area commander' identified as Bhanu Singh and his associate Chhotu Korwa alias Mister thrashed and shot a PACS 'President' - Banwari Prasad (40) - of Beta panchayat of Chinia block in Garwah District of Jharkhand, after the latter denied them levy.

A CPI-Maoist 'zonal commander' Ram Mohan Munda, one of Jharkhand's top Maoists who carries INR One Million cash reward, was arrested with two aides after a brief encounter with the SF personnel on the outskirts of Ranchi District of Jharkhand. Ram Mohan's career in LWE spans more than a decade. He also led a special armed guerrilla group known as 'Ram Mohan dasta'. In 2008, Ram Mohan with Kundan Pahan, another top Maoist 'commander', looted INR 50 million from ICICI Bank cash van and also murdered Tamar MLA Ramesh Singh Munda and a DSP besides several other acts of violence in past. The names of the two aides have not been disclosed. They are dasta members whose profile record is not available with Police.

On the inputs of arrested CPI-Maoist 'zonal commander' Ram Mohan Munda, a series of 25 IEDs were found from Angara area of Ranchi District of Jharkhand.

One Maoist was injured in an encounter between the CPI-Maoist and the SF personnel at Chapla village in Garhwa District of Jharkhand. The encounter took place when a team of CRPF personnel and District armed personnel rushed to the village following a tip-off that a squad led by 'area commander' Bhanu had assembled there, sources said. The SF personnel were conducting raids in the village when the Maoists started firing at them forcing them to retaliate in self-defence, sources said, adding that one Maoist sustained bullet injury. Bhanu and his two aides managed to escape, SP Priyadarshi Alok said.

Six CRPF personnel were injured when the CPI-Maoist cadres, ambushed a LRP party of the CRPF triggering IED blast at Topchanchi in Dhanbad District of Jharkhand. The incident took place when a team of CRPF was on LRP on motorcycles at Bodra village under Topchanchi Police Station in Dhanbad. The CRPF personnel were riding motorcycles, when the extremists set off the blast through an IED, Police said. After triggering the blast, ultras fired indiscriminately at the convoy, prompting the LRP personnel to return fire .The exchange lasted a little over half an hour," said a senior Police official.

Police launched 'operation Mahadev' against Naxals and arrested seven cadres in and around capital Ranchi of Jharkhand. The arrests include three Naxal 'commanders' of the PLFI faction. Police also recovered nine rifles, three small arms and large amounts of ammunition from them. Police got tip-off about presence of Naxals in Ranchi, after which the operation was planned. Police has also detained a contractor on suspicion of having links with Naxals.

Five senior PLFI leaders and two members of its armed squad have been arrested during 'Operation Mahadev' from various parts of Ranchi District of Jharkhand. The arrested PLFI leaders have been identified as Ranchi 'zonal commander' Tulsi Pahan, Bundu-Tamar 'area commander' Bheem Mahto alias Mangal Pandey, Jonha (south) 'area commander' Sunil Kachchap, Jonha (north) 'area commander' Dev Singh Munda and Nagri-Tupudana 'area commander' Birsa Mahto. These apart, Raja Patar and Mukesh Mahto, both members of the outfit's armed squad, have been arrested during two separate raids carried in Jonha and Nagri area. Nine fire weapons, including two double-barrel guns, four country-made rifles and three pistols, around 50 live cartridges, note books, backpacks, levy receipts and 12 mobile phones were recovered from them. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

An encounter was reported between Police and CPI-Maoist cadres in Denga Pahari section of the forests located on the borders of the Giridih and Dhanbad District of Jharkhand. A joint team of Giridih Police and 124th battalion of CRPF unit raided the Denga Pahari forest area under the Parasnath Police Station and had an hour -long encounter with Maoists. However, the Maoists fled towards forest side, sources said.

Three troopers of the CoBRA unit were injured, when CPI-Maoist cadres detonated an IED in Parasnath Hills in Giridih District of Jharkhand to target a contingent of forces chasing them. ADG (operations) and Police spokesperson S N Pradhan said the troopers were hurt by splinters after the blast. An anti-Maoist operation was launched in the area on April 6, after authorities received inputs that 25-odd rebels, led by CPI-Maoist Jharkhand Regional Committee 'secretary' Ajay Mahto and his aide Nunu Chand Mahto, are holed up in an area within the limits of Madhuban Police Station of Parasnath Hill.

The armed squad of the CPI-Maoist killed one youth for allegedly being 'Police informer' and also collecting levy in favour of Maoists at Pipradih village under Gomia Police Station in Bokaro District of Jharkhand. The deceased has been identified as Satendra Mandal (26) of Pipradih village. According to reports about 15 to 20 armed Maoists raided his village and took him in the forest area of Chutte-Kharna, when Satendra was coming back on his motorcycle at home in the evening. The villagers saw his body with throat slit on Chutte-Kharna forest way, one kilometre from his house. The Police recovered "parchas" (leaflet/pamphlet) from the spot stating that Satendra, was 'Police informer' and collecting "chanda" (levy) in favor of original Maoists group. Mandal also joined rival Uday Mahto group. Police sources said the deceased had a close nexus with the Maoists in the past. The incident could be a result of his (Maoists) internal conflicts, further Police added.

Around 10 armed cadres of JPC set ablaze three dumpers, damaged an SUV and beat up a guard at a mine of CCL at Charhi in Hazaribagh District of Jharkhand, the second such attack in the area within a week. Workers and officials of a mining company BGR, engaged at the CCL site in Ulahara of Tapin North to dig coal, told the Police about threats for levy they got from alleged JPC cadres. JPC is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist. SP Akhilesh Kumar Jha agreed the company did not inform the Police about levy demands of the JPC, led by a member who identified himself as Ranjeet. "The culprits will be identified and nabbed soon," the SP said. He added BGR workers in another site in Tapin North area were assaulted last week. "We have stationed forces for security," said Jha.

Explosives hidden by the Maoists were recovered during "area domination campaign" by the SFs near Gundijora in the Saranda jungles in West Singhbhum District of Jharkhand. Getting information, the CRPF (197 Battalion) and District Police personnel, headed by Commandant T.H. Khan and Assistant Commandant Pundarik Mishra searched the areas as part of the 'area domination campaign' and recovered 39 pieces of .303 ammunition and 12 electronic detonators, a CRPF release said. Following a tip-off sniffer dogs were pressed into service to unearth the explosives hidden for use against the SF personnel, it said. The release claimed that LWE was on the decline in the Saranda forests.

SF personnel from at least five major forces have launched 'Operation Hill Vijay' to root out LWE from the Parasnath Hills in Giridih District. "Personnel from the CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguar, CoBRA, JAP and District Police from Dhanbad and Giridih are involved in the 'Operation Hill Vijay' to drive Maoists out of the hills," DIG, Hazaribagh Upendra Kumar said. Launched a few days ago, Kumar said, the anti-Maoist operation would continue till the rebels were rooted out of the hills, as had been done in Saranda forests in West Singhbhum District.

An encounter took place between a joint team of District Police Jharkhand Jaguar CoBRA 209 battalion and CPI-Maoist cadres at Latu in Latehar District. Sources said the joint team of SFs was after the Maoists following a tip off of their presence in Latu. SP, Anoop Birtharay confirmed the encounter between the SFs and the Maoists at Latu. The contingent of Maoists was led by Bara Vikas a highly esteemed confidant of top gun of the Maoists Arvindji, SP Latehar said. SFs have recovered pithoos, bullet pouches, blankets and medicines. There is no word on any recovery of any abandoned weapon of the Maoists.

Maoist 'zonal commander' Ram Mohan Singh Munda, who was sent to judicial custody on April 2, has been taken in a three-day Police remand for interrogation in as many as 49 cases registered against him. SSP Kuldeep Dwivedi said Mohan's interrogation would help collect information about Maoists in Ranchi of Jharkhand.

Three PLFI cadres were arrested after an encounter between SFs and the PLFI cadres near Katingkel village in Khunti District. The encounter lasted for more than three hours after which the Police succeeded in arresting three PLFI cadres. The Police recovered one rifle, live cartridges and incriminating documents from the arrested cadres. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

One Maoist leader carrying a reward of INR 2.5 million on his head surrendered in Latehar District. Maoists Dinesh Yadav (40), with several aliases - Chasma, Satyendra Yadav, Chota Vikas and Umesh - was in civil dress when he surrendered before Palamau DIG Saket Kumar and Latehar SP Anoop Birtharay. He wasn't carrying any arms. "It is a big achievement for the police. It took six months to convince the Maoist leader... we took the help of several agencies and family members. He was associated with the rebel organization for the last 20 years and has groomed several Maoists who are now operating in various parts of the country. We expect many more of his protégés to surrender," Birtharay said, after he had presented him to the local media in Latehar.

Police arrested PLFI cadre Paras Ram (30) from Charka Tanger villager under Basia Police Station area in Gumla District. Two rifles and several rounds of ammunition were recovered from him.

A Lohardaga court awarded life imprisonment to five Maoists for killing 11 SF personnel in a 2011 ambush in Senha block in Lohardaga District. In the series of 300 landmine blasts, 58 jawans were also injured. 'Sub-zonal commander' Pooran Ganjhu, 'area commander' Akshay Kherwar and cadres Sudhwa Asur, Sunna Kherwar and Vishnu Asur were brought in the court of Additional District Judge Anil Kumar amid tight security. Additional public prosecutor A K Pandey said the Maoists have been given rigorous imprisonment. A fine of INR 10,000 has been imposed on each of the convicts.

A computer operator and a Constable were injured in an explosion on the premises of Pakuria Police Station in Pakur District. Constable Pradip Kumar and computer operator Ramesh Singh were trying to remove a gunny bag, which was lying below a table for long, when the sudden explosion took place. SP Ajay Linda said illegal mining was rampant in the area. "Explosives are being seized every now and then. Some seized explosives might have been kept in the gunny bag under the table. We have begun an inquiry," said the SP.

One resident of West Bengal was detained with 990 pieces of gelatin sticks from Malpahari area in Pakur District. He was carrying the explosives, stuffed in two gunny bags, to some undisclosed place on a motorcycle, which was intercepted by the Police near Chengadanga village.

Three PLFI cadres including an 'area commander' of Tebo were arrested from Jeraikel village in West Singhbhum District, along with four country-made bombs. SP Michael Raj said 'area commander' Charu Bodra was wanted for firing at a passenger bus three months ago while Nicolas Kandulna and Soma Barjo were booked for murder of one Rajendra Hapathgara two months ago. All of them are residents of Tebo.

Around 175 kilograms of ammonium nitrate stuffed in four plastic bags were seized from Saudag village in Tupudana in Ranchi District. The explosives were recovered from the shop of one Birsa Bakhla (28), who has been arrested.

Barkagaon Police arrested Ramchandra Ganjhu alias Ramu Ganjhu alias Dayanandjee, a wanted TPC 'area commander', based on a tip-off in Hazaribagh District. Police recovered a loaded pistol and two cartridges from Chandaul forest under Barkagaon Police Station area. SP Akhilesh Kumar Jha said Ganjhu first joined the CPI-Maoist when it was led by 'area commander' Krishna Yadav more than 12 years ago. Ganjhu was wanted in 13 Naxal related cases, including murder, extortion in various Districts.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres triggered a bomb blast at an under-construction Constable Training Centre, beside a CRPF camp, under Jadugora Police Station limits in East Singhbhum District. Eleven low intensity bombs were placed on the under-constructed boundary wall of the training centre but six of them exploded.

A CPI-Maoist hit squad of around 30 armed guerillas killed a suspected member of a rival group - TPC -, minutes before his two daughters were to complete their wedding rituals in Palamu District. Witnesses said the Maoists barged into Pokhari village when the two sisters were readied for the final pheras, the customary walk around a fire by the bride and the groom that signals the end of the ceremony. They fired several times at the father of the brides, Mahendra Choudhary, and escaped before the guests and the family could react or raise the alarm.

A former CPI-Maoist cadre, who had surrendered before Rourkela District Police four years back, was killed by suspected Maoists at Kulatoppo village under Kiriburu Police limits in West Singhbhum District. The deceased is identified as Jaduram Soi alias Jadu Munda (45). Five armed Maoists arrived at the house of Jadu and fired five bullets at him. Villagers claimed that the Maoists killed Jadu in revenge attack as they believed he was working as a 'Police informer'.

A CPI-Maoist 'area commander', identified as Sarvesh Ganjhu alias Sarveshji, surrendered himself before Lohardaga SP Karthik S in Lohardaga District. The Maoist laid down his arms during a volleyball tournament.

40 pieces of detonators and six IEDs were recovered during an anti-CPI-Maoist drive in the foothills of Parasnath forest in Giridih District. SP, Akhilesh B Verior, said the recovery was made during the operation when the security personnel and the Maoists exchanged fire.

Three consecutive encounters between the SFs and the LWEs were witnessed during anti-LWE operations across Jharkhand, which started 24 hour ahead of the Maoist bandh call on May 1 and ended on May 2 morning.

The Maoists triggered a blast in Parasnath forest area in Giridih District but it did not harm anyone, SP Akhilesh B Verior said.

A joint team of Railway Police and CRPF personnel found and defused a one-kilogram landmine close to the railway track near Tupadih Railway Station in West Singhbhum District under Chakradharpur (CKP) Railway Division. Movement of trains on the Jharkhand-Odisha route were affected for close to seven hours.

The two-day bandh called by the CPI-Maoist in protest against the State Government's "anti-people" policies, especially with regard to people engaged in the collection and sale of kendu leafs and lac cultivation, evoked mixed response. The Maoist bandh, effective in four states, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal and Jharkhand, wanted to draw attention to a wage hike for farmers engaged in lac cultivation and sale of kendu leafs. Jharkhand Police Spokesperson S.N. Pradhan said the bandh affected normal life in most parts of the state.

A Maoist diktat in several blocks of Gumla District has prompted the administration to bar students of two residential schools from visiting their parents during summer vacation. A source in the District Administration office said Maoists had asked villagers to send "at least one child from each family for induction". The rebel outfit recruits children in its bal dasta. The District Police had earlier saved 24 children, including 14 girls, in March from the clutches of Maoists after their parents sought protection. Gumla District Collector Shrawan Sai said, 84 children in the two residential schools in Bishunpur and Ghaghra blocks would stay in hostels. The schools are run by the Welfare Department. Most of the students are from villages in Bishunpur, Ghaghra and Nirasi blocks, which are tribal-dominated. Sai said 200-odd children, 50 percent of whom are girls, from Maoist-affected villages have enrolled and all of them would be shifted to the two newly constructed buildings. The District Collector made it clear that only those children "staying in the two hostels" would not be permitted to go home for summer holidays.

The last day of the CPI-Maoist sponsored bandh call in four States went without violence. But the impact of the bandh was felt in rural areas as people preferred to stay indoors despite tight security. Commenting on the ground situation S.N. Pradhan, Jharkhand Police Spokesperson said "Highways remain mostly deserted. In some pockets which are considered vulnerable buses did not ply." The bandh, however, had little impact on cities. In Giridih, all modes of transport, including long distance buses and other vehicles on the highways, remained as usual across the region. The Maoists have called the bandh in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar in support of a better life of farmers.

Five PLFI cadres, including 'area commander' Vinod Sanga alias Jhublu Sanga, have been arrested from Kadal forest under Karra Police Station area of Khunti District.

A sympathiser of the TPC was killed allegedly by members of rival group in Palamau District. Suspected armed CPI-Maoist cadres arrived at village Ghasidag under Bisrampur Police Station area in Palamau District in the early hours and dragged the sympathiser of TPC, Guddu Singh, from his house before shooting him dead, DSP Hiralal Ravi said.

A powerful cylinder bomb planted by Maoists was recovered in West Singhbhum District.

SFs recovered 25 kilograms ammonium nitrate and 30 kilograms of liquid explosive material during a search operation at Herhenj in Latehar District.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested and arms and ammunition recovered from them in East Singhbhum District. Acting on a tip-off, the District Police conducted raid and arrested Rawna Pahadia and Madhusudan Pahadia from Patamda and Bodam of the District, a senior police officer said. Both the Maoists were active members of the squad headed by Rahul and Sameer, he added. Based on the leads provided by them, Police recovered a country-made revolver and two live cartridge hidden under stones from near a canal in Patamda under Patamda Police Station and a country-made pistol and two live cartridge from a forest in Bodam under Bodam Police Station on May 10.

The Palamu District Administration lodged a FIR against Congress candidate Devender Singh alias Bittu Singh, who is in the by-poll fray from Panki Assembly Constituency on the basis of information that the Congress candidate was seeking assistance from a CPI-Maoist leader Manohar for the upcoming poll. Palamu SP Patel Mayur K Lal said the FIR was drawn by the Tarhassi Police Station. Sources said the Special Branch officials intercepted the conversation of Bittu Singh seeking help from the Maoist leader.

A Chatra-based journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh was killed by TPC cadres over a payment dispute in Chatra District.

Police stepped up vigil on areas in Palamu bordering 'Maoist-hit' Latehar and Chatra Districts ahead of teh Panki by-poll on May 16. Panki is in the southern part of Palamu District. ADG operations and Police spokesperson SN Pradhan said intelligence reports suggested a possibility of Maoist attack. "We have deployed extra bomb disposal squads in the border region," he added. Eight CRPF battalions have been deployed in the assembly segment.

A Chatra-based journalist Akhilesh Pratap Singh was killed by TPC cadres over a payment dispute in Chatra District. The Jharkhand Police also said Singh, a part-time contractor, was killed after he allegedly failed to pay a 'levy' to the TPC which controls Chatra District.

Latehar District Police found a large consignment of ammunition from a CPI-Maoist hideout in Sasang forest area. DIG Saket Kumar Singh said a joint team of Police and CRPF found live rounds totalling 701 of AK-47, 80 rounds of 9 mm weapon 02 (two) walkie talkies, 22 Maoist caps with belt, one black uniform, one electric motor, Maoist literature and two computer keyboards. Security personnel raided the hideout based on a tip-off.

Jharkhand will strike off several 'armed groups' from the official list of LWE organisations and declare them rogues, Chief Minister Raghubar Das said, unveiling plans to tackle outfits involved in extortion, abductions and killings. At least 17 armed groups are active in Jharkhand but Police say that most of them are just running extortion rackets targeting businessmen and the salaried. Besides, some of these gangs are also accused of raping women and trafficking girls. Sources said the trigger for the decision was the murder of a television journalist in Chatra District, allegedly by a splinter Maoist outfit for his refusal to pay 'tax' to the outfit. "Unlike the Maoists, the various other armed groups operating from our jungles like People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) and Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC) have no ideology. They extort money and indulge in violence. They do not deserve mercy and needs tough treatment," Das said. Police said delisting groups from the LWE list will enable security forces to go after them as ordinary criminals.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres fired on the Dhanbad-Jhargram passenger train at Kokpara Station in East Singhbhum District. At least four-five unidentified assailants attacked the train at about 10 pm and fired several rounds before fleeing with three walkie-talkie sets from the train driver, guard and Station Master of Kokpara, about 80 km south east from Jamshedpur on Howrah-Mumbai main line. Kokpara falls under Kharagpur Division of South Eastern Railway. "Train movement has normalised as we escorted out the passenger train from Kokpara. There's no casualty but they have looted three wireless sets. It's still not clear who these miscreants were but we're investigating the incident," Anoop T Matthew, Jamshedpur's SSP said.

Ranka Police of Garwah District arrested a CPI-Maoist informer from Joon village under Ranka Police Station area following a tip-off. Police also seized arms and ammunition, including a country-made pistol and two cartridges. Ranka Police Station officer in-charge Narendra Kumar Sinha said Arun Kumar Singh, a resident of Joon village, was a supporter of Maoist 'area commander' Bhanuji. Singh used to convey information to Bhanu's squad.

A CPI-Maoist bunker was destroyed in Palamu District and large quantities of explosives seized. The Police and para military forces, in a joint operation, destroyed the bunker in the Abun forest area. The Police seized a plastic tank filled with 50 kg of codex wire and other explosive materials from the spot.

Maoists torched three vehicles of a stone crusher unit in Dumka District because they were not paid the levy money they demanded.

The 40-kg IED was found from Jerko Musanga area of Khunti District during a search operation.

The security personnel recovered 59 'can' bombs from Latehar District. The 'can' bombs, each weighing half-a-kg, were recovered from Serendaag jungles in Latehar District, by personnel of the CRPF and the District Armed Police Force. TPC said it did not kill television journalist Indradeo Yadav alias Akhilesh Singh. In a press communique released, TPC 'commander' Nawal blamed Police for misleading the people. Yadav was shot dead by unidentified men in Chatra District on May 12. On May 17, Police said the murder was executed on TPC 'commander' Mukesh Ganjhu's order after Yadav, who was a local contractor, failed to cough up INR 700, 000. Ganjhu is absconding. "We condemn the murder. We have sympathies for the family. The police investigation is not fair and police are trying to hide facts from people," the communique read and claimed that a probe by the outfit found that "no TPC comrade was involved".

The CPI-Maoist cadres have set ablaze 35 vehicles in the past five months in Jharkhand. Between January 19 and May 24, a total of 35 vehicles involved in construction work have been torched in the State. The vehicles were set ablaze in Ranchi, Dumka, Lohardaga, Gumla, Chaibasa, Ramgarh and other Districts of the State. "Maoists main source of earning is extortion and levy from the development and construction work. In the past, police cracked down on many companies involved in road construction that were giving levy to Maoists. This dented Maoists source of earning in a big way. The denial of levy led them to torch vehicles," said a Police official involved in anti-Maoist operations.

The Jharkhand Police with the help of paramilitary forces have destroyed many bunkers and recovered more than 2,000 landmines.

A 'zonal commander' of the TPC was arrested when he allegedly came to offer bribe to a 'Policeman' to the tune of INR One Million for removing the name of his 'commander', Mukesh Ganjhu, from the list of accused in the murder of a local Television journalist Akhilesh Pratap in Chatra District on May 12. The person, who posed as a Police officer, and three of his associates, were also arrested. The Police have recovered cash along with fire arms and two motorcycles from the accused. Those arrested have been identified as - Yogendra Yadav, 'zonal commander' of TPC, Anoop Yadav, a former member of the PLFI, Amarjeet Kumar Yadav and Prabhu Mistry. Both TPC and PLFI are splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Tribal villagers in Khunti District have come together to stop CPI-Maoist atrocities. Hundreds of villagers participated in the state government's civil defence meeting at Korba in Khunti. Khunti SP Anish Gupta said one person who has links with the CPI-Maoist surrendered during the meeting. His decision was hailed by other participants. The villagers, mostly from the tribal belt of Arki, came to the meeting 'Shanti Sabha' with traditional weapons, but the district Police reportedly asked them to abstain from violence while resisting LWE. SP Gupta said in the last two months, five such meetings were organized.

Suspected cadres of PLFI gunned down two youths in the forests of Basia area in Gumla District of Jharkhand. Six rebels on bikes abducted Ajay Kumar Singh (30) and Raju Kerketta (19) at gunpoint from Bondekera village while they were returning from a local market. The suspected PLFI cadres then took them away into the deep forests and shot them from point blank range. Preliminary investigations suggest that the assailants used a .315 bore rifle to pump as many as three bullets into each of them. According to local villagers, Singh was a small time Mahua seller and Kerketta used to work for him. A month ago, Singh had a clash with some people, who were suspected to be associated with the PLFI. "The murders are probably the fallout of that clash," said a local villager. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

The State Police would speed up operations against CPI-Maoist in certain identified areas in the State to ensure that extremist capability is significantly curbed. In several parts of Maoist-hit state the extremists have received a huge blow since 2010, but they continue to be powerful in certain pockets where the Police now plan to hit them. In a meeting at Police headquarters with SP, DIGs and senior Police officers, DGP D K Pandey discussed the anti-Maoist strategies and passed instructions to the SPs. IG (operations) and Police spokesperson M S Bhatia said the SPs have been given specific operational targets which have to be achieved within a certain time frame.

Jharkhand DGP D.K. Pandey, appealed to the LWEs to surrender or be ready to face bullets. Pandey made this announcement while addressing villagers during inauguration of Jageshwar Vihar Police Station at a hypersensitive zone in Gomia block in Bokaro District. He took the name of dreaded CPI-Maoist 'commander' Duryodhan Mahto alias Mithlesh Singh and appealed to him to surrender or else Police would target him. "It is better for Duryodhan Mahto to surrender soon. We are taking strong steps to eliminate extremism from state," said DGP.

A Police constable of the Special Branch was allegedly abducted and shot dead by the CPI-Maoist in Gumla District. The Police Constable, Badrinath Tiwari, was last night (May 31) taken away from his house in Malam village by the Maoists who later shot him dead, OIC of Chainpur Police Station, Shyam Bihari Manjhi said.

A Police constable of the Special Branch was allegedly abducted and shot dead by the CPI-Maoist in Gumla District. The Police Constable, Badrinath Tiwari, was last night (May 31) taken away from his house in Malam village by the Maoists who later shot him dead, OIC of Chainpur Police Station, Shyam Bihari Manjhi said.

Two persons were arrested during a raid at Duli village in Khelari in Ranchi District. DSP Pramod Kumar Keshrai said that the arrested duos were part of a six-member rebel gang, which was wanted in a levy demand and assault case in McCluskieganj. Ramesh Turi and Akhilesh alias Chotu, both in their mid-twenties, were forwarded to Birsa Munda Central Jail. According to Keshari, Police are now searching for the four others, including Alok Yadav, 'area commander' of JJMP, a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Two minors, who were forcibly employed in the children's squad of the CPI-Maoist, were rescued by a joint team of the District Police and CRPF from Gumla forests near Jamti village in Gumla District. The SF personnel, who have been combing Bishunpur block since May 29, found a boy and a girl cowering in the forests near Jamti village. Asked, the boy, who was aged 15, and the girl, 11, said they were from Gumla but had been forcibly picked up for Nakul Yadav's bal dasta (child soldiers) some five months ago. Yadav happens to be a Bihar-Jharkhand regional coordination committee member of CPI-Maoist and one of the most dreaded Maoists of this region.

A joint security team of CRPF and District Police recovered two pressure cooker bombs, each weighting five kilograms, from a forest near Abun village in Panki in Palamu District.

A PLFI 'area commander' was arrested from Demotand under Hazaribagh Sadar Police Station in Hazaribagh District. Police said Gobind Sao had come to extort a brick kiln owner.

A TPC cadre, Diwakar Ganjhu, was arrested from Patratu area in Ramgarh District. A pistol, cartridges, mobile phone and a bike were found from him.

A group of six-seven PLFI cadres set a vehicle on fire at a road construction site near Tirku village in Kharsawan Police Station area, around 70 kilometres from Jamshedpur in East Singhbhum District.

Police and CRPF personnel recovered six can bombs from a culvert in Pokharia, Tundi in Dhanbad District.

10-day-long anti-CPI-Maoist operations came to an end after troopers found explosive materials and fire arms used by the Maoists in Bulbul forests under Bagru Police Station limits of Peshrar block in Lohardaga District. Lohardaga SP Kartik S said that during the operations the SF busted a Maoist camp. However, the Maoists managed to escape taking advantage of the thick forest cover. "Three black dresses used by Maoists, carbon papers, three steel containers, seal makers, 100 m electric wire and other items used for making bombs were found," SP said. The exercise book and a book on Indian Constitution suggest that the Maoists were imparting education to their cadre in the camp.

At least 76 Naxals were killed and 665 arrested by SF personnel in the LWE-hit areas in the first four months of 2016, Home Ministry officials said. SF have achieved greater success in tackling LWEs in recent times and there was 30 per cent decline in violence perpetrated by the Maoists this year (2016). Altogether, 76 CPI-Maoist cadres were killed between January and April this year in comparison to 15 killed in the corresponding period of 2015. As many as 665 Maoists were arrested and 639 surrendered in the first four months of 2016 whereas 435 LWEs were arrested and 134 surrendered in the corresponding period of 2015, a Home Ministry official said. In 2015, 226 people died in 1,088 incidents of violence perpetrated by the LWEs. Of the 226 deaths, 168 were civilians and 58 security personnel. As many as 89 Maoists were also killed and 1,668 were arrested and 570 cadres surrendered before authorities last year. "The decline in violence can be attributed to many reasons such as greater presence of security forces across the Left Wing Extremism-affected states, loss of cadres and leaders on account of killing, arrests, surrender and desertions, better monitoring of development schemes in affected areas and insurgency fatigue among the Maoist cadres," the official said. While 106 districts in 10 states are affected by Maoist activities in varying degrees, 35 districts in seven states are considered to be worst hit. According to a recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, Naxal activities continue to be a matter of concern with 35 districts in seven states being badly-hit. "CPI (Maoist) continues to be the most potent among the various LWE outfits in the country and accounts for more than 80 per cent of total LWE violence incidents and resultant deaths," the report said.

June 9

As many as five BDOs in Jharkhand have received letters bearing CPI-Maoist letter-head asking them to quit their jobs within 15 days or see their respective office buildings getting blown up by dynamite. They would be responsible for the resultant loss of life and property, the letters added. The BDO of Kolebira in Simdega District received the threat letter on June 9 by ordinary post while his counterparts in Murhu, Khunti; Mandar, Ranchi; and Saria in Giridih Districts received them two days ago. A few days earlier, Giridih's Birni BDO had also received a similar letter. Interestingly, Khunti SP Anish Gupta went on to add that involvement of any rebel outfit was unlikely. "It seems that these are jobs of some mischievous elements. All the wings of the police are working in tandem with each other and the case will be solved soon," he added.

Suspected cadres of the CPI-Maoist set a house on fire in Mudakati village in Ghatsila sub-division in East Singhbhum District. The Maoists targeted the house suspecting the owner's two sons to be behind the increased security operation in the sub-division. The owner, Pradhan Hembram's sons are Police staff and Maoists suspect that the two are Police informers who are responsible for the sudden spurt in anti-Maoist drive. The suspected Maoists ransacked the house before setting it on fire. They also put up posters in the premises asking the house owner to leave the village. Sources said Pradhan's sons had links with the Nagrik Suraksha Samiti (NSS) before they joined the Police ranks. The NSS was formed by a group of villagers to counter Maoist activities in 2003 with the tacit support of the Police.

The BDO of Nawadih in Bermo Sub-Division of Bokaro District, Arun Oraon, was threatened by suspected Maoists to leave his job and the District within 15 days or his office will be blown up. Oraon received the letter when he was in his office. "It was about 5 pm when my peon gave me the letter. I immediately informed the Nawadih police station," said Oraon. However, Police are verifying the authenticity of the letter that was sent through post bearing a receipt stamp of Giridih. A Police officer said that a few more BDOs deployed in Giridih received similar threat letters. Three months ago, Petarwar BDO of the District had also received threat messages from the Maoists, report said.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres torched at least 10 heavy vehicles engaged in a road construction project in McCluskieganj in Ranchi District. Dozens of armed extremists raided the construction site in Dulli-Konka forests near Ranchi-Latehar border around 1.30 pm and thrashed workers of Spica Projects and Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd. The firm, owned by Santosh Kumar Singh, is building McCluskieganj-Chama Main Road. The Maoists set on fire a 10-wheeler truck, five tractors, two JCBs and two dumpers.

Two JPC cadres were arrested by SFs. While 'area commander' Lokesh Yadav was arrested by SFs at Panki in Daltonganj, another JPC cadre identified as Md Javed was arrested from Pundaul forests at Barkagaon in Hazaribagh District. Police have seized a country-made stengun, a pistol, three live bullets and a mobile phone from Javed. Hazaribagh Superintendent of Police (SP) Bhimsen Tuti said that they had got a tip off about the presence of extremists in the forests.

A Maoist who was wanted in an ambush case of June 2000 was arrested in Giridih District. The Maoist, identified as Hussain Miyan, a resident of Teliya Bahiyar village of Giridih District, was with the outfit for more than 16 years, police said. "Hussain and 50-60 Maoists had attacked a patrolling party and brutally killed two police personnel in 2000. They also looted their arms and fled from the spot," said Giridih (SP) A.B. Variar.

In a bid to check Maoist activities in certain pockets of Jharkhand, State Police have identified 13 focus areas where several security measures and developmental initiatives have been taken, an official said. "We have identified 13 focus areas. These areas are being secured, cleared and developmental initiatives like bridges, fair price shops, electricity are being taken up besides efforts to generate employment," DGP D.K. Pandey said. The 13 focus areas are in the districts of Garhwa, Palamau, Chatra, Latehar, Gumla, Lohardaga, Bokaro, Giridih and the Santhal Pargana region.

Acting on a tip-off by villagers, a joint team of State Police and CRPF unearthed nine IEDs, each weighing 1-1.5kg, planted in a series, during a search operation in Sardamdag forests of Manika, about 45 km from Latehar District headquarters.

A CRPF trooper was killed in an encounter with CPI-Maoist cadres in Patharchhapra jungles of Giridih District. IGP Sanjay Anand Lathkar said the trooper's body was being brought to Pirtand in Giridih.

CPI-Maoist 'central committee' has given a call for celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Naxalbari armed uprising, centenary of the Russian revolution and the bicentenary of the birth of Karl Marx. In a 10-page statement, the 'general secretary' of the CPI-Maoist, Muppala Lakshman Rao alias Ganapathi, said that all the party units should make "preparations, put maximum efforts and issue calls to the vast masses to actively and energetically participate in these celebrations". He called upon his party cadre to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Naxalbari uprising from May 23 to 29, 2017, the centenary of the Bolshevik Revolution from November 7 to 13, 2017 and Karl Marx birth bicentenary from May 5 to 11, 2018. If, for any reason, it was not feasible to conduct these events on the above mentioned dates, Ganapathi said, they could be organised in other time of the years of the anniversaries. "It is to be expected that the enemy will try to create all kinds of hurdles everywhere to prevent us from organising these anniversaries, be it in the urban or rural areas. We should be prepared for this and make realistic and practicable plans to conduct these programmes successfully in spite of disruptionist efforts", the statement said. The Maoist party also said that efforts should be made to organise at least one international programme in any of the Indian cities on a date agreeable to all participants. As part of these celebrations, the party has also sought publication of books, booklets and collection of articles for enhancing the understanding of Marxism.

The CPI-Maoist top leadership has sent its 'chief commander' and senior leader Sudhakaran to Jharkhand from Andhra Pradesh to rebuild the extremist organization which has lost its strength in the state. A source in the State Intelligence said that Sudhakaran has reached Jharkhand and he is engaged in reviving the party and motivating the armed squads. IG operations and Police Spokesperson M.S. Bhatia said the Police intelligence gathered over a period of time in the recent past has confirmed the movement and activity of Sudhakaran. The police are however clueless about his location.

Security personnel seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition following the arrest of a PLFI cadre, identified as Barjo, from Bandgaon of West Singhbhum District. SP Michael Raj S said the security personnel, comprising of district armed police and CRPF personnel arrested the PLFI cadre. Police seized eight rifles of .315 bore, four double barrel guns, two carbines, four carbine magazines and 200 pieces of gelatin.

Two CRPF camps were opened in Saranda forest, one kilometer from Odisha, to prevent cross-border movement of the Naxalites and strengthen anti-LWE operation. The camps at Nuagaon and Tirilposhi areas of Saranda in West Singhbhum District will fill up the security 'vacuum' in the vulnerable forest pockets used by the LWEs to operate on both sides of the border. Rourkela-based IGP, Western Range, R.K. Sharma said the presence of security personnel in Saranda forest and the existing camps at Lathikata and Chandiposh in Sundargarh District would provide strategic advantage to SFs of both States in containing LWE activities.

Tribals armed with traditional weapons lynched two PLFI cadres, identified as Tene Bhengra and Deepak Bhengra, in Torpa block of Khunti District. Wielding guns the PLFI cadres visited Pandaria village to collect levies from a local when they were confronted by the villagers. "The villagers who confronted the extremists became violent when the extremists threatened to kill them. The extremists were thrashed with sticks and other traditional weapons," Khunti SP Anish Gupta said.

Officials of NIA, who are probing arms smuggling in north-eastern states, have come across evidence that suggests the CPI-Maoist cadres operating in Jharkhand have been supplied with sophisticated M-16 rifles. Official sources said that the sophisticated weapons are sourced from Nagaland and get transported to Maoists in Jharkhand by arm syndicates. The NIA is now in talks with ATS and STF of Nagaland, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand to chalk out a strategy from stopping the highly-sophisticated weaponry from reaching the Maoists in Jharkhand. According to official sources, NIA sleuths have managed to identify individuals allegedly involved in the smuggling of M-16 rifle.

CPI-Maoist cadres blew up a guest house of the Jharkhand Forest Department and set afire eight vehicles of a construction company at Hurungda in Seraikela-Kharswan District. A group of Maoists came to the spot in the wee hours and blew up a forest department's guest house lying abandoned for years till renovation began ten months ago, before setting ablaze eight vehicles of a construction company working in nearby area, SP Inderjeet Mahatha said. Some leaflets of the Maoists were found on the spot.

The CPI-Maoist exchanged heavy fire with SFs at Jharha forest area under Pirtand Police Station in Giridih District. SP Giridih, Akhlesh V Verier said the incident occurred at Jharha forest area. on when the Jharkhand Police (Pirtand, Dumari and Muffasil) along with CRPF 154 battalion and Maoist came face to face during a routine combing operation. During the operation, a section of SFs led by Giridih SP Akhlesh V Verier came across Maoists training camp at Jharha forest area and on seeing the SF personnel, the Maoist squad guarding the camp opened fire. The gunshot that lasted for one hour has reportedly left some Maoists cadres dead, Police sources said.

Huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from different parts of Latehar District during combing operations by the joint forces of Police and CRPF. One carbine, 1,145 rounds of .22 calibre bullets, an empty INSAS magazine, eight magazines of SLR rifles, nine 309 bullets, as many as 27 naphthalene packets, two 35-litre cans filled with hydrogen peroxide, two IEDs, some Naxalite literature and some rucksacks were recovered from Dori jungles in Herhanj area, around 65 kilometres from the District headquarters.

SF personnel found two 5 kilograms pressure cooker bombs and some 50 detonators, besides Naxalite literature, at Bishnuband in Manika forests, around 60 kilometres from Latehar town and some 10 kilometres from Dori jungles in neighbouring block of Herhanj. "We have defused the IEDs, recovered from Dori, on the spot. These combing operations are part of our ongoing anti-Naxalite drive and are likely to continue," Latehar SP Anoop Birtharay said. According to the SP, the forces recovered more than 500 IEDs and over 7,000 bullets of various natures, along with dangerous chemicals used for preparing explosives, since April. This apart, about one quintal of Naxalite poster, which they use for demanding levy, were recovered and destroyed.

Following a tip-off, a Maoist cadre identified as Surendra Lohra (20) was arrested from Kudu-Chandwa road in Lohardaga District. Lohardaga SP Kartik S. said Lohra was wanted in as many as 17 cases under CLA, besides several incidents of rebel activities. "He was active in Kisko area of the district," the SP added.

The Jharkhand State Government has sought five additional CRPF battalions from the Centre to fight the LWEs, besides seeking exemptions from forest clearance for certain categories of development projects. The demands were put forward by Chief Secretary Rajbala Verma in a review meeting in New Delhi. The review meeting, chaired by the UMH Rajnath Singh, pertained to security and development programmes going in the LWE-affected areas in the country. Officials said that there are currently 20 battalions of the CPRF and two battalions of the SSB deployed in the state in the operation against the LWEs. The demand for additional battalions has been made to consolidate the operations going on in 13 'focus areas' - which includes places like Banalat (Gumla), Pesrar (Lohardaga), Parasnath (Giridih) and Balumath (Latehar).

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres damaged a solar panel and battery powering a BSNL mobile tower located at Hetha Toli under Garu Police Station area in Latehar District. SP Latehar Anoop Birtharey said that Maoists who attacked the site were led by Chhotu Kharwar and Perdeep Yadav.

The UMH Rajnath Singh in Ranchi District said the Maoists have emerged as a potent threat to locals living across 10 Maoist-hit States in the country, affecting development in these areas. "We want to do something for the poor. There are plans to develop areas where Maoists are creating obstacles in development," Singh said after inaugurating the Jharkhand Jaguar headquarters and paying tribute to JJ martyrs. He further said "There has been a sharp decline in Maoist activity and influence in the past few months. We should target the splinter groups who have occupied areas once dominated by rebels in Jharkhand," added Singh. Of the 24 districts, 22 are Maoist-dominated. An officer said splinter groups continue to pose threat to SFs. The Minister urged the State Government to launch a "perception management" campaign against Maoists. "We need to reach out to people who live in rural areas through community radio," added Singh. He also advocated inter-state coordination among Maoist-hit states.

The UMH Rajnath Singh in Ranchi District said the Maoists have emerged as a potent threat to locals living across 10 Maoist-hit States in the country, affecting development in these areas. "We want to do something for the poor. There are plans to develop areas where Maoists are creating obstacles in development," Singh said after inaugurating the Jharkhand Jaguar headquarters and paying tribute to JJ martyrs. He further said "There has been a sharp decline in Maoist activity and influence in the past few months. We should target the splinter groups who have occupied areas once dominated by rebels in Jharkhand," added Singh. Of the 24 districts, 22 are Maoist-dominated. An officer said splinter groups continue to pose threat to SFs. The Minister urged the State Government to launch a "perception management" campaign against Maoists. "We need to reach out to people who live in rural areas through community radio," added Singh. He also advocated inter-state coordination among Maoist-hit states.

The Centre asked four Naxal-hit States-Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal-to frequently hold Unified Command meetings for formulating a strategy to tackle the issue effectively. The UMH Rajnath Singh conveyed this at the Eastern Zonal Council meeting held in Ranchi, official sources said. Singh also cited the example of Jharkhand where splinter groups of the CPI-Maoist have been active and tackling them required coordination among forces and better strategy. The Zonal Council meeting took stock of various development schemes carried out in LWE-affected areas and found that Bihar lagged in construction of fortified Police Stations. Out of the 45 sanctioned fortified Police Stations in Bihar, 40 are yet to be constructed. In Jharkhand, out of 73 sanctioned fortified Police Stations, only two are yet to be completed, in Odisha, out of 52 sanctioned fortified Police Stations, 18 are yet to be constructed and in West Bengal, out of the 17 fortified Police Stations, one is yet to be completed. In 2011, the Centre had announced that it would fund construction of 400 fortified Police Stations in 83 worst Maoist-hit Districts in the country at a cost of INR 20 million each.

A PLFI 'area commander' identified as Badal Lohra was arrested during a search operation in Bano area of Simdega District. Arms and ammunition were recovered from him.

A CPI-Maoist cadre was killed during an encounter with the Police in Simdega District. SP Rajiv Ranjan said following a tip off, a search operation was launched during which three motorcycle-borne men fired on the Policemen near Mudia jungle under Sadar Police Station. In the retaliatory action, one of them, Turia Oraon, was killed on the spot, the SP said, adding the two others managed to flee into the deep jungle. Oraon, who was a former 'area commander' of the CPI-Maoist, faced four cases in the District.

An encounter took place between the security personnel and the Maoists inside a forest at Gorabandha in Ghatsila Sub-Division of East Singhbhum District. East Singhbhum SP, (Rural), Md Arshi said the encounter took place when security personnel from CRPF and District Armed Police were on an anti-Maoist operation in the area. They had launched a search operation at Dangra Pahar on being informed about a Maoist camp there. The encounter lasted for an hour. Later, the security personnel demolished the Maoist camp and recovered two can bombs and 15 detonators. A binocular, a walkie-talkie charger, a flash gun, two radios, nine plastic tents, five Maoist uniforms, 15 empty cartridges, a printer cartridge, utensils and other items of daily use were also found.

The CPI-Maoist cadres killed two civilians, accusing them of being 'Police informers', in Giridih District. According to Police, the Maoists abducted the two men from their home and killed both by slitting their throat. The bodies were recovered from Kolharia village.

Premnath Oraon alias Premji (30), an 'area commander' of the CPI-Maoist surrendered before Jharkhand DGP D.K. Pandey. He surrendered at the newly-inaugurated Police Station in Dassam at Bundu of Ranchi District.

Cadres of the TPC held a 'kangaroo court' in Latehar District, just 15 kilometers away from Latehar District Headquarters. In the 'kangaroo court' dozens of villagers took part. A group of heavily armed TPC cadres led by Latehar 'area commander' Alok Yadav organized the court. A man, who seems to be a local, was punished in the court for reasons so far unknown to the Police. Latehar SP Anoop Birthary said "It was not a Jan Adalat because the gathering was called by the TPC members to punish a man who was working against the interests of the TPC by being close to another Maoist splinter group." The Latehar Police claimed that the TPC Jan Adalat was in response to a similar Jan Adalat organized by members of JJMP. In the JJMP held 'kangaroo court' a supporter of TPC was beaten up recently.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres killed a person on the suspicion of being a JJMP supporter in Reheldag village under Bishunpur Police Station limits in Gumla District. The deceased has been identified as Ranjit Oraon, said Bishunpur Police Station OIC.

A three-hour gun battle took place between two LWE groups - TPC and JJMP, at Manchi village in Lohardaga District, where the groups are engaged in an ongoing struggle for supremacy.

A CoBRA trooper - Ajai Kumar - died after being injured in a fierce encounter between SFs and the CPI-Maoist cadres under Baresan Police Station area of Latehar District.

Three suspected CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested and 15 IEDs were seized in two Districts of Jharkhand. The three Maoists, including a woman, were arrested from Shikaripara in Dumka District while SFs seized the 15 IEDs from Budwa Pahad in a search operation in Latehar District following a gunfight on July 11.

A dreaded CPI-Maoist cadre, identified as Balkeshwar Oraon alias Vinay Oraon alias Bada Vikas (38), who carried a reward of INR 2.5 million on his head announced by the Jharkhand Government, surrendered with a .315 rifle before DGP D.K. Pandey at the State Police Headquarters in Ranchi District, drawing an end to all speculations that had been doing the rounds about his hush-hush surrender since last week. A member of the Bihar-Jharkhand-North Chhattisgarh Special Area Committee of the CPI-Maoist, Vikas was wanted in over 70 cases of violence. DGP Pandey handed over three cheques to the Maoist under 'Nayi Dishayen' - a bloodless operation to bring Maoists to mainstream of society and give them an opportunity to lead a normal life. The first cheque was of INR 2.5 million, the second one was of INR 50,000 and the third was of INR 15,000. Commenting on the surrender ADGP, Operations, S.N. Pradhan said that "It is a historic moment... one of top-most tribal members of the Maoist special area committee surrendered today. Total 74 cases are pending against him at various police stations of Latehar, Garhwa and Balrampur district (Chhattisgarh). He was the third in command after Maoist central committee member Deo Kumar Singh, alias Arvind ji, and Sudharkar Reddy. Now, it is expected that several others trained by Vikas will also follow suit and surrender." Latehar SP Anoop Birtharay said that "All cases against him will be withdrawn and he will be provided vocational training. He will also get an opportunity to get a job in the police."

Two persons were arrested with a truck-load of explosives from Kathikund area of Koderma District. A large number of explosives - 41,200 power gel and 37,500 pieces of detonators - were recovered from the truck at Koderma. The vehicle was on its way to Kharsawan under Pakuria Police Station of Pakur District on July 19, DySP Ashok Kumar Singh said. Truck driver Arvind Kumar and helper Ganesh Kumar were arrested.

Admitting that the Naxal movement has received serious setbacks in recent times in the form of encounter deaths and surrender of leaders, East Division 'secretary' Pratap Reddy alias Ram Chandra Reddy alias Appa Rao alias Chalapati said SFs personnel have made quite a few strikes but claimed that the 'people's movement' has not been suppressed and will bounce back. While giving an interview in the interiors of the AOB on the eve of the Martyr's Week Chalapati said like their comrades elsewhere in the country, the LWEs of the East Division too need to change the strategy to match the changing socio-economic, political and global scenario.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres, identified as Mangal Tudu (22) and a 17 year old girl, surrendered before Kolhan DIG Sambhu Thakur at Police lines in Golmuri of East Singhbhum District. Police said Tuddu and the girl were members of the Gorabandha squad of the CPI-Maoist headed by Kanu Munda.

Two PLFI cadres were arrested from Rania block in Khunti District. The arrested cadres Rajkumar and Amar Munda were PLFI foot soldiers and have been involved in multiple cases of encounters and 'anti-state' activities. Khunti SP Anish Gupta said the arrested rebels were active in the Torpa and Murhu areas as well.

SFs unearthed 25 IEDs each weighing 1.5 kg during a routine search operation in Herhunj area in Latehar District. These IEDs were laid in small tiffin boxes recently and have been defused by the bomb disposal squad, SP Latehar Anoop Birtharey said

The Government at the Centre is set to reduce the number of CPI-Maoist affected Districts in the country by about a fifth. A senior UMHA official has said that approximately 20 of the 106 Districts which have been described as being Maoist-affected and are part of the 'Red Corridor' may soon no longer be part of the list. This exercise, under way now for two years, is being done for the first time since 2006, when the Maoist-affected Districts were identified and graded on the basis of their violence profile. The names of the Districts and the reasons for being considered to be taken off the list have been communicated to the States and a response is awaited. Of these, 44 Districts are said to be the worst-affected. India has a total of 683 districts.

The CCS, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved 12 IRB for LWE-affected States. While four of these IRB will be raised in Chhattisgarh, three each will be raised in Jharkhand and Odisha, and two in Maharashtra. The CCS has also decided that 75 per cent of the Constabulary level posts will be drawn from the 27 Districts that are worst affected by the LWE. To recruit local youths, the government will relax age and educational criteria. The CCS has also allowed the CRPF to raise a 'Bastariya' battalion by recruiting youths from undivided Bastar District. Moreover, two already sanctioned India Reserve battalions will be converted into auxiliary battalions through recruitment of youths from 15 severely Maoist-hit districts of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Odisha.

CPI-Maoist cadres have killed three civilians including two sons of a surrendered Maoist cadre in Barkol forest range of Latehar District. A pamphlet found from the spot alleged that the victims were 'Police informers'. According to information after Rampreet Yadav's surrender, the Maoists had been suspecting his two sons Shravan Yadav (32) and Hiralal Yadav (20) along with Shivlal Yadav (22) to be working as 'Police informers'. On July 24, Maoists came to know about Shravan and Hiralal's presence in Barkol area. A team of Maoists went to their houses and took them away to Barkol forest area and gunned them down. The Maoists also went to Shivlal Yadav's house and strangulated him to death by a rope.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres have killed a 60-year-old farmer, identified as Rakhan Sahu, when he was sitting in a roadside eatery under Sadar Police Station area of Gumla District. Two others, Pawan Oraon and one Bharat Tiwari, also sustained gunshot injuries. Sahu died on the spot. "We have recovered a leaflet left at the spot by Maoist operatives taking responsibility for the incident. Initially, we felt that they might have come looking for somebody else and shot the old man by mistake. However, investigations so far have not revealed any such thing. We are investigating further," said Gumla SP Chandan Kumar Jha.

Seven CPI-Maoist cadres, including a wanted Maoist involved in the killing of Pakur SP Amarjit Balihar and several other Policemen in 2014, were arrested from different areas in Dumka District. Initially Etwari Hembram alias Nareshda was arrested and acting on his information six other Maoists including two women cadres were caught, SP Prabhat Kumar said.

'Zonal Commander' of Madhya zone of the CPI-Maoist identified as Abhay alias Abhay Yadav alias Gobind (38) was arrested, along with Naxal book and literature, in Chhaterpur region of Palamu District. Abhay is said to be the biggest confidante of the top Maoist Sandip ji and was a part of the team of the Maoists in all its decisions taking session.

An 'area commander' of the CPI-Maoist was arrested with arms from Ranka Police Station area in Garhwa District. Lalan Singh Kharwar alias Shrawan was arrested from Karri forest of the District. Police have also found a 315 pistol, 4 live cartridges and Naxalite literature, said Ranka Police Station officer in-charge Narendra Kumar Sinha.

Three PLFI cadres were arrested following an encounter in Kolebira area of Simdega District. Simdega District Police also arrested several top PLFI cadres during the past one month including 'sub-zonal commanders' Mukesh Singh and Rana Ganjhu and 'area commanders' Parmeshwar Ganjhu and Badal Lohra. Earlier, two PLFI cadres, identified as Ramprit Yadav and Rajdeo Singh had surrendered.

Police recovered a landmine weighing 24 kilograms suspected to be planted by the CPI-Maoist cadres, from Goniato forests in Penk village in Nawadih of Bokaro District.

Simdega District Police have worked out a 'special strategy' to nab PLFI 'supremo' Dinesh Gope. Gope carries INR 2.5 million cash reward on his head. On August 4, Simdega SP Rajeev Ranjan Singh held a meeting with senior Police officials in the District to review the outcome of anti-PLFI operations carried out in the past one month or so. He also discussed the future plan of action to completely flush out the PLFI from his domain within a month. "Dinesh Gope and his associates Jageshwar and Vijay Dang should either surrender or stay prepared to face the music. Enough is enough. We are committed to make Simdega a PLFI-free district within a month. Maoists have fled; Pahari Cheetah has been driven out. But, PLFI's presence is often being reported from different parts of the district," Singh said.

Security personnel recovered explosives hidden by CPI-Maoist cadres at Taledih village on Maneka-Serendag Road in Latehar District. SP Anup Birtherary said security personnel comprising District Armed Police and CRPF recovered a cylinder bomb weighing 7.5 kg, three hand grenades, one country-made pistol and 60 pieces of iron.

Jharkhand Police seized four landmines and four weapons from a hideout of CPI-Maoist in Dhanbad District. According to Police, four landmines, two pistols, two rifles and live cartridges were seized during search operation at Madaidih forest situated under Topchanchi Police Station in the District.

Security personnel recovered a 5 kg IED planted by the CPI-Maoist cadres from Kala Pahar-Mahudand road under Chatarpur Police Station limits in Palamau District.

A huge cache of explosives was recovered from a house, during a raid at Jeetpur area under Gopikandar, in Dumka District. Acting on a tip-off, Police recovered 1,990 pieces of electric detonators, 716 pieces of power neogel, one exploder and 160 kilograms of urea from the house of Rameshwar Kisku in the raid conducted last evening, SP Prabhat Kumar said. He said both Kisku and his son were arrested after the recovery.

SFs intensified combing operations in Bakrakocha forest under Gurabanda Police Station area of Ghatshila in East Singhbhum District following an encounter with the Maoists.

CPI-Maoist cadres killed a former Maoist turned "Police informer" at Murkundo village under Dumri Police Station of Giridih District. Maoists also alleged that the victim, Dinesh Hembram, would collect levy across the region in their name. The victim, a shopkeeper, was earlier associated with the Maoists and had been jailed for his involvement in several Maoist-related incidents in Dumri areas a few years ago.

Four CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested in two separate incidents in Latehar District. They were identified as Lavlesh Ganjhu, Birendra Prahiya alias Ramdas, Ramdhani Kharwar and Lalmohan Lohra. A pistol, cartridges, three mobile phones and a Maoist poster was recovered from Lavlesh Ganjhu while three loaded guns, gunpowder and different types of chemicals used for making explosives were recovered from Ramdas and his aides.

Latehar District Police also arrested three JSJMP cadres identified as Sandip Oraon alias Kaila, Sunil Munda and Samarjit Ganjhu alias Samrita Ganjhu from Chandwa. A semi-automatic pistol, different types of cartridges, three mobile phones and posters were found from them.

A TPC cadre, identified as Ramesh Mahto, was arrested from Saria in Giridih District.

A PLFI cadre identified as Milton Kandulna was arrested from Rania, Jharkhand. A country made gun, cartridges and three mobile phones were found from him.

Denying any CPI-Maoist presence in Jharkhand, Chief Minister Raghubar Das said that "only some goons" in the name of Maoists were indulging in extortion and they will be dealt with as per law. Das was in Kolkata (West Bengal) for a road show to promote the two-day long Jharkhand Global Investor' Summit 2017, which will take off in early 2017. "There are no Maoists in Jharkhand. Only some goons in some isolated pockets of the State and they are indulging in extortion to scuttle the development of the State. We will deal with such criminals accordingly," said Das. He also said that in the last 20 months, there has been no major Maoist-related incident in Jharkhand, adding that the State Government has initiated several surrender policies and received good response so far.

Police arrested two TPC cadres from Ranka, including an 'area commander', and seized arms and ammunition from their possession, including a country-made pistol and cartridges, said Garhwa ASP Sadan Kumar. The TPC cadres have been identified as Arjun Singh Kharwar, the area commander, and Jitendra Singh, brother-in-law of TPC 'zonal commander' Nitantji.

In a joint anti-CPI-Maoist operation, Police and CRPF personnel busted a Maoist hideout located in the forest near Chorpania on Luggu Hill under Gomia block of Bokaro District. SF personnel also found explosives, ammunition and Maoist literature from the hideout. Bokaro SP Y.S. Ramesh said, "While searching the bunker, we found a pressure cooker bomb, a can bomb, detonator, cartridges, codex wire, posters, banners and Naxal literature and other items."

CPI-Maoist cadre Hopna Hembrom was arrested from Shikaripara in Dumka District. Police said Hopna was wanted in four cases of Maoist violence.

One Maoist cadre, identified as Vijay Murmu alias Ratan, was arrested along with an IED weighing over five kilograms, from Pirtand block in Giridih District.

One Maoist 'zonal commander' Dipak Sahu alias Tilakman alias Tilak Main, who headed the rebel outfit's operations in Simdega and Gumla Districts as well as bordering areas in Chhattisgarh, surrendered before DGP D.K. Pandey at Police headquarters in Dhurwa in Ranchi District. Tilakman was involved in 34 cases of Maoist violence in Simdega and Gumla, including an attack on Bansjore Thana in Simdega on December 31, 2007, in which a Policeman was killed. Welcoming him to the mainstream, DGP Pandey gave Tilakman INR 50,000 ex-gratia apart from INR 500,000 reward that he carried on his head. The DGP also said the Police would take care of Tilakman's family's safety during the tenure the surrendered rebel would be behind bars, a provision present in Jharkhand's rebel surrender policy.

DGP Pandey said the Police had identified 786 remote villages across Jharkhand where the men in uniform would facilitate the execution of 10 welfare schemes in their fight against Naxalism. "Seven hundred and fifty villages will be lit up by solar lamps in a month. Our villages need development," the DGP underlined.

Maoist cadres set ablaze the generator and battery panel of the Airtel tower in Pandu block in Palamu District. The tower has stopped functioning. Sources said about half a dozen people reached this tower, took out fuel from the generator set and set ablaze the generator set and the battery panel. SP Patel Mayur K Lal has confirmed this arson saying the Maoists have done this just to make their presence felt. Palamu remained bandh on August 31 in the wake of Maoists call. Buses for Ranchi from Daltonganj did not roll out.

One 47-year-old dhaba owner, Umesh Sahu, was killed by suspected JJMP cadres at Bishunpur in Gumla District, triggering a massive roadblock by villagers for over five hours, who demanded better Policing. The blockade was removed after SP Chandan Jha pacified protesters. JJMP is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

A combined team of CRPF, CoBRA of 209th battalion and District Police exchanged heavy firing with CPI-Maoist top cadre Sudhakaran alias Sudhakar who sneaked into Garu after coming down from Andhra Pradesh in Latehar District. Sources said Sudhakar's team was no less in strength as it had around 150 cadres, all armed heavily. Nakul and Chhotu Kharwar were also there with Sudhakar. Latehar SP Anoop Birtharay confirmed the encounter with the Maoists led by Sudhakar and his cadres, including Nakul and Chhotu Kharwar. Birtharay said the SFs had to lob bombs to scatter the Maoists. The SP said the fighting was most severe for two hours and then it slid down to intermittent firing from the Maoists' side which was adequately retaliated by the SF personnels.

Three cadres of LWE, Samrat Giroh, were killed in a fratricidal war with cadres of PLFI in Kashira village under Karra Police Station limits of Khunti District. The bodies of the three were found by locals on the next day morning, all had multiple bullet injuries. The Samrat Giroh and PLFI share regions of dominance in Karra and Lapung and often indulge in fratricidal war to establish supremacy. The slain extremists were identified as Rahul Swashi, Anil Kumar and Mukesh Singh. "Four persons were targeted by armed men in the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. The fourth man possibly managed to escape," said Khunti SP Anish Gupta. PLFI is a breakaway faction of CPI-Maoist.

Two persons who killed dhaba owner Umesh Sahu (47) in Gumla District on August 31, were arrested, from different locations of Bishunpur block of the District. Jagannath Lohra and Babloo Lohra, during interrogations, confessed to have executed the crime at the behest JJMP 'area commander' Pankaj alias Anuj. After being produced before the judicial magistrate on September 4, the duos were remanded to judicial custody for 14 days, following which they were sent to Gumla divisional jail. On the fateful day, the duo had come on a bike, which they parked at a distance before Jagannath shot Sahu dead near his home. One of the bullets hit his head, killing him on the spot. Gumla SP Chandan Jha said the duo abandoned the bike, which gave the Police vital clues to lead to the arrests. JJMP is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Five cadres of the PLFI were arrested from Anandpur thana area in West Singhbhum District. Three loaded countrymade pistols were seized from Rinku Sahu, Satyanarayan Napit, Shankar Tanti, Amarnath Kujur and Rohit Jojo. All the accused, except Napit (30), are in their early twenties and intermediate students. PLFI is a breakaway faction of CPI-Maoist.

Two TPC cadres were killed in a rival war in Palamu District. The Police recovered two bodies of the TPC cadres from Bhelwahi village of the District. According to a Police official, both TPC cadres were gunned down by a rival group. TPC is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

SF personnel recovered a bludgeoned body of one person killed by suspected PLFI cadres in Kudasud village under Murhu tehsil in Khunti District. Khunti, which is about 35 kilometres from Ranchi, witnessed a spate of killings perpetrated by PLFI and other CPI-Maoist-linked groups in 2011-12. History seems to have repeated itself. Last year, 108 persons were killed in the District - which is three times higher than the total number of murders reported in Koderma, a District more populous than Khunti. "The district was largely peaceful about two decades ago," said Khunti MP, Kadiya Munda. Many of these killings have been linked to domestic disputes. About 112 people were killed in 2011, 126 in 2012, 109 in 2013 and 99 in 2014. In the past four years, Koderma, Latehar, Simdega, Jamtara and other Districts that are more populous than Khunti reported more than half of the combined murders reported in Khunti. Gang violence has also led to a spike in crime. On September 3, three persons were killed in a "turf war". ASP, (operations) P R Mishra said Naxal-violence has dipped. "In 2015, only 13 people were killed by ultras," said Mishra. PLFI is a breakaway faction of CPI-Maoist.

Police recovered three posters and one banner of the CPI-Maoist put up in Hurdanga panchayat under Karaikela Police Station area close to the border of West Singhbhum and Khunti Districts, condemning the policies of CM Raghubar Das. A team of CRPF personnel removed the posters. The posters have created panic ahead of Maoist bandh on September 9. The bandh has been called against the attempts of the State Government to change land laws. "Burn murderer Raghubar Das and police officers in the fire of Maoism," one poster read. A police officer said other posters talked about intensifying the people's war against the state and establishing the government of the peasants and the laborers. Chaibasa SP, Michael Raj said the posters were common posters Maoists usually put up to elicit people's support which they have lost in the past few years. "The posters were removed by security personnel. It was close to the national highway passing through the district," Raj said.

The Police arrested six cadres of the CPI-Maoist and recovered arms and ammunition from Gumla District. Acting on a tip-off, the Police raided a hideout where the Maoists were staying out of sight. SP, Chandan Jha said the extremists had been trained in and sent from neighbouring Odisha to set up a trusted network in Gumla. "I hope that peace will prevail in the area after their arrest. We have recovered four bullets, three pistols and some pamphlets from the six arrested Maoists," Jha said.

A top CPI-Maoist leader Ashish Yadav alias Ashish Da was killed in an encounter with Police and Central Paramilitary Forces at Borodih village under Palkot Police Station area in the Gumla District. He carried a bounty of INR 2.5 million. A SLR, with two other rifles including one American Springfield rifle was recovered from the jungle along with his body. A member of CPI-Maoist powerful BJSAC - one of the topmost Maoist units in Bihar and Jharkhand - Ashish da was the brain behind many big Maoist strikes in both the states. IG operations and Police spokesperson M S Bhatia said the operation was launched on specific inputs. "The jawans on his trail engaged him in the encounter when he started fleeing from the spot with other Maoists. The encounter continued for over 30 minutes," Bhatia said. A source said Ashish was moving to a secured place in the jungle before he was engaged in the encounter. BJSAC members - who often work to support the rebels at the ideological level and devise plans - generally move into the forests with enough troops for strike.

The first day of the statewide CPI-Maoist bandh had a mixed impact. Hundreds of passengers and commuters were left stranded in Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, West Singhbhum and other Maoist-hit Districts. The inter-District buses remained off the roads and passengers in trouble. Police spokesperson IGP M S Bhatia said no untoward incident was reported during the bandh, called against the State Government's move to amend land laws in the state. "The market places were closed in some areas in the countryside. The bandh was peaceful," he said. In Giridih, Maoists put up banners and posters on the wall of Hatiya maidan at Madhuban, close to the Jain shrine, under Pirtand Police Station of Giridih District. The banners created fear in the people despite increased movements of the forces after the banners were spotted. "The CPI (Maoists) vehemently protested the bills regarding changes and amendments in the CNT and SPT Acts by the Raghubar Das government," the banner read.

Two CPI-Maoist 'area commanders' Rajesh Kharwar and Nirmal Singh Kharwar were arrested from different parts of Chhipadohar in Latehar District.

PLFI supporter Nirbahan Baraik was arrested from Simdega District. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

The State Police has launched operations in Simdega and Gumla Districts to trace 30-odd Maoists who managed to escape an encounter on September 11, in which Maoist top leader Ashish alias Ashish Yadav, was killed. Ashish, member of Maoists' powerful BJSAC, was moving through the forests with 30-odd Maoists when the CRPF and Gumla Police engaged them in an encounter in Palkot on the border of Gumla and Simdega Districts. "We will not allow the Maoists to take shelter in Simdega," said IG operations and Police spokesperson M S Bhatia.

Two PLFI cadres were arrested from a house in Bero on the outskirts of Ranchi District. Police have recovered a pistol and one round of ammunition from Pancham Oraon (22) and Vivek Oraon (19).

Six PLFI cadres, who were celebrating Karma with locals in Simdega District, escaped after a brief encounter with Police. As they had mingled with the crowd, Police had to restrain firing. The PLFI cadres, who came to the spot on two-wheelers, managed to flee taking advantage of this situation. SP of Simdega, Rajiv Ranjan Singh said a team of Policemen was mobilized on the basis of specific information that some extremists are coming to the area to celebrate the festival. "We wanted to catch them and a trap was laid," he added. "A few rounds were fired," said a Police officer. He added that there was a top PLFI leader among them as they rode expensive two-wheelers. The SP said operations against PLFI, which has a strong presence in Simdega, will continue. The top PLFI leader was 'chief' Dinesh Gope and some of his men who fled. Police pasted notices on their homes, declaring them absconders, announcing a reward of INR 2.5 million on Gope's head. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

A meeting of senior Police and CRPF officials took place in the camp headquarter of CRPF 190 battalion situated in Chatra District of Jharkhand headed by SP, Chatra, Anjani Kumar Jha. In this meeting the officers of Jharkhand-Bihar Police and CRPF and CoBRA Battalions discussed on various points regarding their new venture named 'Operation Safaya' going to be launched for complete eradication of Naxal groups operating in the border areas of both States. In this joint meeting the officials finalised the action plan to be executed during this operation. As per sources this operation will start in both sides of the border at a time so that the Naxal groups cannot feel safe in any of these two States. "This time the white collared people of the society who had been identified as the supporters of the Naxal groups will also be at the target. The aim of this operation is not only to eradicate the Naxal groups out of the states but also to seize the money they have made through their act of terror," said an official.

A 30-year-old suspected CPI-Maoist cadre was arrested from Kharsawan in the adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan District. Police recovered a country-made pistol and Maoist literature from Karam Singh Munda.

A 30-year-old youth was reportedly beaten to death by suspected CPI-Maoist cadres in Bishunpur block in Gumla District.

A powerful can-bomb was defused by a joint team of CRPF jawans and Bokaro Police at Barai Penk in Jhumra in Bokaro District. Police said the 20 kilogram can-bomb, which had the capacity to blow away a big building, was hidden in bushes. It was found during a morning operation.

A 40-year-old tribal Bindeshwar Oraon was beaten up by CPI-Maoist cadres, branding him as 'Police informer' in Hatbal village in Hesag panchayat under Siringdag Police Station area Lohardaga District. The injured tribal succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in the District. SP of Lohardaga, Kartik S said, Oraon was a medical practitioner and also worked for the Maoists. "Maoists used to seek his service when they fell sick. He had treated many Maoist leaders. The Maoists have killed him because they suspected his honesty," said Kartik. Lohardaga SP said that Oraon did not work for the Police. "The Maoists allegations are false. The case is being investigated. A team has been asked to find out the names of Maoists involved in his murder," he said. There are unconfirmed reports that Maoists held a jan adalat before beating him, but Lohardaga SP ruled it out. A Police officer said that Maoist leader Nakul Yadav is behind the killing.

The 30-year-old youth who was reportedly beaten to death by suspected Maoists in Vishunpur block in Gumla District on September 16, was identified as Karma Oraon, a ward committee member. The Maoists first dragged him to a kangaroo court at Kath Thokwa and then pumped bullets into his body. SP of Gumla, Chandan Jha maintained that deceased Karma never extended any direct or indirect support to the Police. "Personal feud might have been a reason behind the killing. Probe is on and search operations have been intensified," he added. No one has been arrested in this case so far.

District Police have launched a new offensive, using posters as weapon, to offset PLFI influence in remote areas of Simdega District. The Police have put up posters on the walls across rebel-hit villages, carrying pictures of notorious PLFI rebels with rewards on their heads. Also, the posters put up at key junctions and along important thoroughfares, warn villagers of dire consequences if they provide any kind of help to the rebels. Sources said the poster drive, launched on September 13, had already slammed the brakes on the movement of PLFI, a Maoist splinter group, in the area to an extent. "They can no more move about freely in the guise of villagers. The posters carry their photographs and thus, anyone can recognise them," said Police.

September 20

Three LWEs were arrested from different parts of Latehar District. Nishant Choubey and Bhupesh Yadav from the TPC outfit were arrested from a place under Manika Police Station limits in the District, while JJMP cadre Gopal Singh was arrested from Town area in the District. Two countrymade pistols, live cartridges and mobile phones were found on them. TPC and JJMP are both splinter groups of the CPI-Maoist.

September 21

The LWE outfit, JSJMM 'area commander' Rajeshwar Singh alias Tej Lal was arrested at Chetar by a team from Chandwa Police Station in Latehar District. SP of Latehar, Anoop Birtharey, said the Police have recovered a 9mm countrymade pistol, eight cartridges and a cell phone from his possession. Tej Lal was wanted in ten cases and Police of three Stations Chandwa Balumath and Latehar were zeroing in on him since long.

The CPI-Maoist kicked off a week-long campaign to mark its 'foundation day', urging people through posters to support them and denouncing the Government. Some of these posters, which appeared at prominent points in remote areas of Palamau District, ask the commoners to strengthen the hands of "their united front with the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army", the military wing of CPI-Maoist. The extremist group also lambasted the Government's surrender policy and advocated overthrowing the Narendra Modi Government at the Centre, where BJP president Amit Shah and UHM Rajnath Singh play important roles. The posters further say that splinter groups like TPC, PLFI, JJMP and JPC were armed criminal gangs enjoying Police patronage and they needed to be taught lesson. The Maoists vowed to eliminate SPOs in the villages. A Maoist banner was also found at Rampur panchayat Bhavan in Chainpur area of Gumla District. Following recovering of the posters, search operations have been intensified. "Presence of these posters does not confirm presence of armed Maoist squads in the area. Such posters are usually pasted by their supporters at secluded places late at night. Nonetheless, we are vigilant. Our search operations are in full swing. Everything is under control," said Palamau range DIG Vipul Shukla.

September 22

The caretaker of Chaibasa circuit house was arrested for his links with a CPI-Maoist leader and for passing on information about VIP visits to the rebel outfit. SP of West Singhbhum, Michael Raj, said, caretaker Birendra Das (35), a resident of Bhuni village in Bodam block of Patamda, was arrested after his cellphone call details record suggested he had had frequent conversations with a Maoist leader identified as Shankar Sirka, a native of neighbouring Bihar.

September 23

Vowing to ruin "Operation Green hunt", an ongoing anti-Naxalites operation in Jhumra Hills of Bermo sub-division in Bokaro District, the CPI-Maoist has urged the masses to observe its 12th 'martyrdom week' from September 21 to 27 to price rise, corporate loot, and conspiracy by Raghubar Government against jal, zamin aur jangal in Jharkhand. Posters regarding this were being seen in Dania and Lugu-pahari areas in Gomia, Police sources said. A senior Police officer, monitoring the anti-Naxalites operations, said that these posters clearly exposed Maoist presence in different parts of the State. "As these posters were mainly found in the mining areas, transportation were likely to be affected during the week. The truck drivers may not dare venture off the highways. The dreaded rebels also take advantage and shift to safer places during the period. The Bermo police and CRPF too have great challenges ahead," SDPO of Bermo, Raj Kumar Mehta, said.

September 24

Five persons have been abducted allegedly by the CPI-Maoist cadres from three different villages of Garu area in Latehar District. Sources said that the Maoists, who are observing the 'foundation week' that kicked off on September 21, raided the area last night and abducted the five villagers. "We have learnt about these abductions from different sources and begun investigations. But, no one has come forward to lodge a complaint with the police so far," said ASP (Operations) Manish Bharti.

The Police unearthed an IED apparently planted by the Maoists to trap SFs in Kumhari forests of Vishunpur area in Gumla District. OIC of Vishunpur, Manilal Rana, said, a bomb disposal squad was expected to arrive very soon and the IED will be diffused.

Three PLFI cadres, including an 'area commander', were arrested in Khunti District. PLFI 'area commander' Ganpat Gope alias Ghora, and his seven-eight associates had assembled on the outskirts of Palankir village in Rania, some 50 kilometres from Khunti District headquarters. Acting on a tip-off, the Police raided the village and seeing the Police the rebels opened fire. The Police retaliated and fired around 12 rounds. The rebels tried to flee taking advantage of the darkness but Ghora was caught following a hot chase. His associates, however, managed to give Police the slip. Later, during a search operation, the Police finally arrested Dhaneshwar Nag and Suresh Mahto. A 9mm pistol, cartridges, 11 mobile phones, six Sim cards, two magazines, a tablet, two backpacks and two motorcycles were found during this raid. "Ghora figures as a named accused in over a dozen criminal cases of serious nature. The criminal antecedents of the other two rebels are being verified," SP of Khunti, Anish Gupta said. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

The Police arrested a PLFI cadre from Jaldega area in Simdega District. He is being interrogated, SP, Rajeev Ranjan Singh, maintained. Two country-made pistols, cartridges, a mobile phone and a motorcycle were found on him.

A TPC 'area commander', Arvind Hebrom, was arrested near Budhwa Mahadev temple in Hazaribagh District, allegedly for abducting Sudhir Tiwary, the owner of computer institute Data Pro, last month. TPC is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

CRPF, IG, Sanjay Latekar, directed his men to start fresh operations against the Maoists in Jhumra, Parasnath hills and nearby zones to deliver the ultimate blow to rebels. "Within the next few months, Naxalism will come to an end in these areas," Latekar said after a meeting with the commandant of the 26th Battalion, Akhilesh Singh, in Bokaro.

Three persons were killed and four others were injured when a band of LWE group, PLFI, opened random fire at a gathering in a village in Khunti District. Following the incident, the Police and the CPRF have launched a massive manhunt in the Naxal-dominated region. The Police said that the PLFI targeted people on the suspicion that they were holding a 'peace meeting'. Villagers in Naxal-hit Districts of Khunti, Ranchi and West Singhbhum (Chaibasa) have been holding peace meetings for over a year, in which they urge people to shun violence and return to the mainstream. Officials said that, although the meeting was not a peace meeting, the attack on hapless villagers was among the biggest incidents by the LWE groups against such initiatives. Police sources said that peace meetings are usually attended by people from more than a couple of villages. The dead have been identified as Deet Munda (45), Raukan Purti (62), and Sukhram Munda (50). The four injured persons - Vikram Purti, Paku Purti, Toto Purti and Sinu Munda. SP of Khunti, Anish Gupta said: "This is clearly to spread terror. The extremist groups are losing their hold on the region and this appears to be an act of panic on their part. The villagers, prima facie, were not holding any peace meeting. We have launched a manhunt and combing operations are on." The incident came to light when villagers of Raitorang brought the dead and the injured to the Sadar Hospital in Khunti. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

A combine team of CRPF and District Police arrested two Maoists from a dense jungle of Kapi village near Choremariya pahar under Bishrampur Police Station in Palamu District. While confirming this DSP, Heera Lal Ravi, said that the two arrested are Krishna Yadav and Brij Lal Sharma. Yadav is the brother-in-law of a hard core 'area commander' of Maoists outfit Ajay Yadav. DSP Ravi said CRPF and Police recovered 9 sets of black colour uniform and two back pouches. The arrests of the two were made in the anti-Naxal operation following September 25, bandh called by the Maoists in the District.

District Police arrested a Maoist who was in SBI branch at Bishrampur in Palamu District, for withdrawal of money. Confirming this DSP Ravi said this Maoist in SBI branch has been identified as Ajesh Yadav alias Baba. Ravi said this Baba was one among the Maoists who had put up locks in five houses at Koriya village. The Maoists had locked the houses forcing the inmates of the houses to flee as the Maoists believed them to be of TPC supporter. Ravi said the Maoists' locks were just thrown out and the inmates were again facilitated to live in peace in their houses. He said this Baba had taken a big lead in this locking of houses of the five. TPC is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

A TPC cadre was arrested in Mandu in Ramgarh District. TPC posters and a motorcycle were found on Mahtab Alam. TPC is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

CPI-Maoist spokesperson of Bihar-Jharkhand regional committee Gopalji has announced state-wide a 24-hour bandh from today's midnight in protest against the killing of top Maoist leader Ashish-da on September 10 in Gumla District. In a statement the Maoist leader said that the SFs killed Ashish-da in "cold blood" after they detained him during an operation. After the bandh call SFs were put on alert and Police spokesperson M S Bhatia said, "The Maoists usually target vulnerable locations of the police and government. All important and vulnerable locations have been put under high protection."

Six suspected PLFI cadres were detained from Arki Police Station area in Khunti District in the last two days, SP of Khunti, Anish Gupta said. The crackdown took place after 25 PLFI operatives fired indiscriminately on unarmed civilians during a meeting on September 26, killing three and leaving four persons injured. The PLFI men suspected it was not a Gram Sabha, but a peace meeting where people held discussions against PLFI and Maoists. "A manhunt is on in Arki and adjoining areas in search of the PLFI squad which carried out the firing. Six people are being interrogated for more information," said Gupta. Police said they would disclose the identities of the men only after their links with PLFI is established. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Joint forces arrested four PLFI cadres from forests under Murhu Police Station in Khunti District. Police believe that the five would certainly lead them to the main accused involved in the killings of innocent villagers at Raiturang in Arki area in the District on September 26. The arrested cadres have been identified as Etwa Odeya, Porso Purti, Ritai Nag and Hemant Purti. Police recovered two rifles, four bullets, six mobile phones and several PLFI pamphlets from their possessions. Murhu Police Station OIC Bambam Kumar said joint forces had launched an operation in Pangura-Kewra forests post September 30 midnight. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

A top CPI-Maoist cadre was arrested from Pilpilo More, around 60 kilometres from Bokaro steel city. Police said the rebel, identified as Shivlal Manjhi alias Pawan Murmu, had been keeping tabs on the movement of the forces as a part of the Maoist design to ambush security men in the jungles of Nawadih zone sometime soon. On the basis of information provided by Manjhi during interrogation, Bokaro thermal Police later recovered five gelatine sticks, one kilogram of explosives, five detonators, codex wire, Naxalite posters and literature, among others, hidden in deep jungles of Pilpilo.

CPI-Maoist 'zonal commander' Bharat Lal Singh alias Bhanu, who carried a reward of INR 500,000 on his head, surrendered in front of DGP, D.K. Pandey at the State Police headquarters in Ranchi. Sources said recent "trysts with near-death situations", counselling by senior Police officers and positive changes in the life of his friend Bada Vikas, a surrendered rebel, apparently had an impact on Bhanu and prompted him to shun the path of extremism. A native of Chinia area in Garhwa District, Bhanu, also known as Bhanu Singh Kharwar, had several close shaves during encounters with the Police in the recent times. SP of Garhwa, Priyadarshi Alok said lately natives of China area were disillusioned with Bhanu due to various reasons and had decided to either kill him or get him arrested. "During community policing, I had told his parents that their son would be killed either by us or by local natives if did not surrender. About two months ago, Bhanu contacted me over telephone and said that he wanted to surrender," Alok elaborated. Bhanu was a member of Maoists' BJSAC and figured as a named accused in 18 cases of Maoist violence registered at different Police Stations of Garhwa alone. Also, several cases are pending against him at different Police Stations of Balrampur District in Chhattisgarh.

Three CPI-Maoist cadres - Hari Singh Munda, Lakhan Munda and Surjit Munda - surrendered before the Jharkhand Police in Khunti District. A 19-year-old female Maoist Sonia Munda inspired three hardcore active Maoists to quit war against the State and join the mainstream. The motivated Maoists surrendered before Jharkhand, DGP, D K Pandey. Sonia's husband is a 'sub-zonal commander' of the CPI-Maoist. Her attempts to convince him to surrender proved futile. "A resident of Arki block of Khunti district, Sonia expressed her desire to surrender,'' said SP of Khunti, Anish Gupta, adding, "our assurance of financial and social support after surrender (according to the surrender policy) made them confident about their decision to surrender." Speaking to media persons, Sonia, said, "I knew them personally because all three of them belong to the Arki block. They shared the same disillusionment. Money drives senior leaders more than ideology. The money-minded leaders have made life difficult for us". The surrender of Hari is a big loss to the Red group because he was an expert in fixing broken guns. Sukhram and Shivshankar Munda were involved in an encounter with former SSP Ranchi Prabhat Kumar in August 2015, in which one policeman was killed, and the SSP with one of his bodyguards sustained bullet injuries.

A full-fledged company of CRPF's women battalion will be deployed in Jharkhand in the next ten days to carry out anti-Maoist operations, CRPF, DG, K Durga Prasad said. Currently, a women battalion of the CRPF is undergoing training at Salboni in West Bengal and one company of this battalion will be deployed in Ranchi in the next ten days, said Prasad, who laid the foundation of a barrack and 317 quarters for jawans of Rapid Action Force of the 106 battalion at Sundernagar on the outskirt of Jamshedpur. The CRPF Company will be engaged in operations against LWE as well as anti-national forces in Jharkhand, Prasad said.

A TPC cadre was arrested on the outskirts of Latehar District. Cash worth INR150,000 was recovered from Shankar Prasad. TPC is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres set fire to the diesel engine of a coal-loaded train near Dumri Vihar station in Bokaro District, disrupting rail services for hours in the CIC section of Dhanbad division. Sources said over a dozen Maoists, who are observing a 'protest week' from October 5 to October 11 across the nation against the Centre's anti-people and pro-capitalists policies, initially tried to blow up the tracks near the station around 12.50am. But, only two concrete sleepers placed under the rail tracks were damaged in the blast. According to a rail staff at Dumri Vihar, the armed Naxalites, in the "uniform of security forces", planted a few electronic devices below the sleepers and triggered a blast. "But, a few minutes later a goods train, coming from the Gomoh side, managed to pass through the stretch without any hassle. The Naxalites, who were standing nearby, then rushed towards another goods train, carrying coal from Barkakana to Tenughat Thermal power plant in Bokaro, which was waiting for signal about 100 metres away. The rebels dragged driver Vijay Kumar out of the cabin and set the engine on fire," he added. The Maoists also snatched away a walkie-talkie and a mobile phone from the driver, but allowed him to flee the spot. Lone guard Kundan Kumar also managed to escape.

Suspected PLFI cadres set a truck on fire in Kisko in Lohardaga District. The truck with bauxite was parked outside its owner's house. The rebels also fired some gunshots; however, no casualty took place. SP Kartik S. said involvement of any local gang couldn't be ruled out. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Three PLFI supporters, Achu Munda, Sukhram Odeya and Charku were arrested in Murhu and Rania in Khunti District. PLFI posters and mobile phones were found on them. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

District Police arrested three cadres of the CPI-Maoist, including a 'zonal commander' in Dumka District, and also recovered huge quantity of explosive materials after clues were provided by the arrested rebels. Briefing the media, SP of Dumka, Prabhat Kumar said the 'zonal commander' Kanchan Yadav, belonging to Ahardih village under Narayanpur Police Station of Jamtara District, carried a reward of INR one million. Kumar had constituted three separate teams to arrest Yadav following a tip off about his activities in the rebel-hit Masalia Police Station area and was finally arrested from Jhandapahad locality near Basmatta village on October 7. Based on information provided by Yadav, Police later arrested two other rebels. A total of 64 packets of gelatine, 164 detonators INR 35,000 in cash and Naxal literatures have been recovered by the Police.

A Maoist, accused of killing Amarjeet Balihar, SP of Pakur District, has been arrested along with two of his associates in Dumka District. A senior Police officer said the ultra, identified as Kanchan da alias Kanchan Yadav, was carrying INR one million cash reward on his head. He was suspected of killing Balihar and five other Policemen in Pakur District in June 2013. Kanchan and his associates were arrested in Dumka District, a Jharkhand Police press release said.

State Police sounded general alert in the wake of a CPI-Maoist 48-hour countrywide bandh call from October 9. Reports from Giridih District suggest search operations in areas bordering Bihar have been intensified. State Police were prepared to thwart any untoward incident, spokesman M.S. Bhatia said.

CPI-Maoist cadres protesting against "Police atrocities" blew up a section of railway track in Bokaro District. The incident occurred between Jogeshwar Bihar and Tilaya stations, around 140 kilometres from Ranchi.

Narayan Yadav (24), actively associated with the CPI-Maoist, was arrested from Lawadag in Palamau District. Yadav, who was entrusted with the task of collecting information about the movement of SFs in Kalapahar where seven Policemen were killed in a landmine blast in January, was arrested when he was trying to put up posters of a two-day state-wide Maoist bandh beginning on October 10. Police have recovered Maoist literature and posters from him. Chhatarpur Police Station, OIC, Law Kumar Singh said that Narayan had been closely associated with Maoist commanders Nitesh and Ajay Yadav. "About four days ago, we had spotted him pasting bandh posters at Chhatarpur bus stand. But, he somehow escaped. He was long been on our radar," he said. The officer said that two cases, including one related to violation of Arms Act, were pending against him. "He was actively associated with CPI (Maoist) since the last four years. His elder brother Vishwanath Yadav was an active cadre of CPI (Maoist) who died during an encounter in 2010," said Singh. During interrogation, Narayan said that he had passed on details about the movement of SFs in Kalapahar to the Maoists. "Yadav was in regular touch with Maoist commander Ajay who along with Nitesh and another accomplice Mithilesh was involved in carrying out the attack," said Chhatarpur, SDPO Sanjay Kumar. The SDPO added that few days before the blast, Maoists had blown up a BSNL tower in Kalapahar. "In that incident too, Narayan had passed on vital information about police movement to Maoists," he said.

The ED has started the process of freezing bank accounts of Parmeshwar Ganjhu, a wanted TPC leader operating in Chatra District, in a concentrated effort to squeeze financial resources of the rebel outfit that has been minting money through extortion and proxy contracts. Highly placed sources in the directorate revealed that the freeze order was issued to the bank concerned in that District on October 7. Parmeshwar, his wife Yashoda Devi and brother Arjun individually hold as many as eight accounts. While the rebel leader has three accounts with the Tandwa branch of Bank of India, Yashoda has two and Arjun, like his brother, three. The ED has directed the bank to provide transaction details of all these eight accounts, the source said. In addition, the directorate has rushed letters to other banks in Chatra, seeking account details of 13 other notorious TPC members, including Gopal Singh Bhokta alias Brajesh Ganjhu, Mukesh Ganjhu, Kohram, Akraman, Bindeshwar alias Bindu Ganjhu, Binod Ganjhu and Bhikhan Ganjhu. "Of these 13, we have received bank account details of some. We need the rest to choke the outfit's all financial arteries," said a senior official of the directorate. It is the first time in Jharkhand that the ED is investigating a money laundering case against a Naxalite outfit. TPC is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Khunti Police, during a combing operation arrested PLFI 'area commander' Kishan Kandulna alias Bangali, and his four aides from Banbira forests in Khunti District. SP, Anish Gupta said Bangali was a native of Alipurduar in north Bengal who was recently asked to lead the PLFI in the Rania-Kamdara belt and neighbouring areas of Khunti and Simdega Districts after the arrest of Ganpat Bhuiyan. "The arrests were made around 3.30am following a tip-off. Police recovered a 315-bore rifle, a double-barrel gun, an 8mm pistol and a .32 pistol, besides nine live cartridges and six mobile phones," SP Gupta added. Bangali's other associates have been identified as Dukhiya Topno of Simdega District, and Sagen Topno, Robin Topno and Kamal Lohra who are from Rania in Khunti. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

A PLFI cadre using multiple aliases and facing at least two murder cases was arrested from Kolebira in Simdega District, with Police recovering a pistol, cartridges and several posters and pamphlets from him. Iliyas Surin alias Bachhru alias Viscal (21), is an accused in two sensational murders reported in Kolebira in 2014. He was closely associated with several senior PLFI gunmen, including 'zonal commander' Jeedan Gudia, Barud Gope, Gujju Gope and Vijay Dang alias Tiger. Iliyas joined PLFI at the age of 15 that earned him the tag of "Bachhru". As his chiefs had either changed areas of operation or were caught by Police, he fled to Delhi about a year ago. He returned six months ago and joined hands with the new PLFI chief, Vijay Dang. Simdega SP, Rajeev Ranjan Singh received a tip-off about him last evening. He then formed a special team led by Kolebira OIC, Manohar Kumar, who was able to arrest him. "We have sent him to Simdega divisional jail under judicial custody. Our operations are in full swing. I sincerely urge absconder rebels to surrender and avail of the benefits of the state government's surrender policy. Or else, they would be either caught or killed," he added. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

CPI-Maoist cadres blew up railway tracks near Dumri Vihar of Gomia block in Bokaro District on two consecutive days of October 10 and October 11. The pamphlets found from the blast site contain a message where they condemned the State Government for amendment of the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act and for favouring capitalists. The incidents were the second and third ones in the last five days. Maoists blew up three points on the same railway track on Gomia-Barkakhana route under Dhanbad railway division of ECR. Unlike the previous two blasts, on October 11, Maoists blew up the tracks near Dumri Vihar. Apart from goods trains, short distance passenger trains like Gomoh-Choupan passenger and Barkakhana-Asansol passenger were affected due to the incident. The traffic on the route was disrupted for nearly 10 hours till a railway team reached the site and reinstalled the broken railway lines. "Maoists are targeting the rail tracks as they are public property. Mostly passenger trains ply on this route. The incident caused inconvenience to local passengers who were traveling on this route during the festive season," said Manoj Krishna Akhouri, DRM, Dhanbad railway division.

The first incident occurred on October 6, when Maoists set a railway engine on fire and blew up a railway track near Dumri Vihar railway station. On October 7, DGP, RPF, S K Bhagat along with senior Police officers had visited the site to assess the situation and a search operation was launched by the State Police. Three days later, the Maoists blew up the railway tracks again. Sources said that the blast was triggered by a Maoist squad that came from outside the District. Local Maoist 'commander' Santosh Da was also with them. DIG, Koylanchal, Saket Singh said a massive anti-Maoist search operation is being conducted in the jungles near Dumri Vihar. Necessary directions have been given to Police officers to avoid repetition of such incidents. The restoration work was completed by the railways in the presence of Police. Maoists who have almost lost their ground in jungles of Gomia block are trying to register their presence through such attacks, Police said.

A 'sub-zonal commander' of the CPI-Maoist party Santosh Kumar Singh alias Santosh Bhokta surrendered before the Police in Ranchi District. Santosh who looked after party affairs in Simdega-Gumla area, surrendered before DGP, DK Pandey in the Police headquarters under Nai Disha - the rehabilitation programme run by the Police for bringing Maoist cadres into mainstream. Singh, a resident of Tutikel village under Kolebira Police Station of Thetaitangar block of Simdega District, was active for close to nine years and carried a cash reward of INR 500,000 on him. He also had 14 criminal charges against him in various Police Stations, Police said. In his statement, Singh said he was influenced by Manoj Nageshia squad in 2008 and joined the party under then 'sub-zonal commander' Debu Ji. "They (top leaders) took the money of the organization and spent it on their families," Singh said.

Suspected PLFI cadres blew up two concrete sleepers of tracks detonating IED between Khelari and McCluskieganj stations in Ranchi District. The tracks fall on the CIC section of Dhanbad division, which suffered three blasts in Bokaro District between October 6 - 11, during the CPI-Maoist 'protest week'. A gangman on patrol noticed the damaged sleepers, around 8.30am. Dhanbad RPF commandant, A.N. Jha said there was no major damage to railway property. "No passenger train was affected though a goods train had to be detained for some time," he said. The Police recovered from the spot batteries and connecting wires used to trigger the explosion. "Preliminary probe suggests PLFI involvement though the area is known as a Maoist stronghold. The Ranchi Police are probing the case," Jha added. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

A self-styled 'area commander' of TPC was arrested in Ranchi District. Dharmendra Jee alias Munilal Mahto of Hazaribagh District, a hardcore Maoist leader functioning as self-styled 'area commander' in Ramgarh, Hazaribagh and Ranchi, was wanted in as many as 15 cases lodged in various Police Stations of three Districts, SP, Ramgarh, M Tamilvanan said. The arrested rebel, suffering from some ailments, was waiting for a doctor at a private clinic in Ranchi when he was arrested by Ramgarh Police with the help of STF, Ranchi, Tamilvanan said. He said Mahto was active in Mandu of Ramgarh, Charhi of Hazaribagh and Ormanjhi and Sikidiri of Ranchi District and working under leadership of self-styled top 'commander' of TPC Kabir Jee and Dayanand Jee. TPC is a splinter group of CPI-Maoist.

A PLFI 'area commander' and eight cadres of his squad surrendered with their arms before the Police in Ranchi District. The 'area commander' Lal Bihari Singh alias Lalu, who carried a reward of INR 200,000 on his head, and his trusted lieutenant Jirga Lugun also handed over their .315 rifles and cartridges to the DGP, D.K. Pandey in the presence of IG (operations), M.S. Bhatia during the event at the State Police headquarters. The other seven cadres have been identified as Ganju Lugun, Birsa Lugun, Goma Lugun, Samu Lugun, Mitu Lugun, Sado Lugun and Achu Herenj - each carrying a reward of INR 100,000 on his head and native of West Singhbhum District. Police said Lalu and seven of his aides were aged between 18 and 22 years while Achu Herenj was only 15. "You can see all of them are poor tribals. They were forced to take up arms at an age when they were unable to differentiate right and wrong," Pandey stressed. Most of them had joined the outfit three years ago under various compulsions. "I was a Class V student in 2013, when PLFI area commander Amar Gudia had come to my village in Bandgaon. He threatened to eliminate my entire family if I did not join his fold," Herenj, youngest among the nine, the DGP said. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Addressing the media, DGP D.K. Pandey said the Police department would hire 15,000 personnel next year. The recruitment will be carried out to raise two women battalions, three IRB battalions and two PVTG battalions. Also, 2,500 ASIs and equal number of associate constables will be hired. Total 33 per cent of the jobs will be reserved for women. According to the DGP, the department has worked out extensive plans to improve basic amenities in remote areas, paving the way for mobile phone connectivity, banking services, apart from education and power supply. "We have facilitated installation of 786 mobile phone towers in remote areas across the state. 125 such towers will soon provide 4G services, which will facilitate e-banking and ATM services in remote villages," he added.

SFs unearthed a huge cache of gelatine sticks used to trigger IEDs from jungles of Narki in Gomia block in Bokaro District. Police sources said the gelatine sticks, weighing around 45 kilograms, were neatly wrapped in plastic and hidden behind bushes near Konar river. A diary and a receipt book of the CPI-Maoist's NCZC were also recovered from the spot. The Police sources said the counter-files of the receipts carried names of several persons who had been paying levy to the Maoists on a regular basis. "We had received specific intelligence on these explosive items hidden in the forests. The gelatine sticks were ferried to Narki apparently by a few villagers, who worked for the rebel out. Accordingly, a search operation was planned and executed successfully," Bokaro SP, Y.S. Ramesh said.+

Two cadres belonging to TPC-II, a splinter group of TPC, were arrested from Ranka in Garhwa District. A pistol, cartridges and mobile phones were found on Akash Gupta and Surendra Yadav. TPC is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

A Maoist leader, who carried a reward of INR 500,000 on his head, was arrested from Jargo village in Tamar Block in Ranchi District. SSP, Kuldeep Dwivedi said Krish Munda (23), secretary of CPI-Maoist Bundu-Chandil sub-zonal area committee, was wanted in at least 11 cases registered at various thanas of Ranchi, Khunti, Seraikela-Kharsawan and East Singhbhum Districts. A resident of Baredih in Tamar, Munda is the husband of Sonia Munda (19), also a Maoist who surrendered 10 days ago.

Ramchandra Singh alias Ramu Ganjhu (30), one top leader of PLFI, a breakaway faction of CPI-Maoist, surrendered in a public function organized by the District Police in Simdega District. "He was among the key PLFI leaders responsible for the strength of the outfit in the district," said SP Rajeev Ranjan Singh. Ganjhu was motivated to join JLT, one of the 18 so-called LWE outfits in Jharkhand, by its local leaders who visited his village (Barkatoli in Bano Police Station area) for shelter and food in 2004. Later, he shifted his allegiance and joined PLFI where he served for the last six years. "After a recent mahapanchyat in the district where common people appealed to the extremists to surrender, Ganjhu decided to give up arms," said SP Singh. The family members of Ganjhu had attended the mahapanchyat and decided to encourage Ganjhu to surrender.

CPI-Maoist cadres set ablaze a road roller machine and assaulted three persons including two employees at Banchatra village under Gomia Police Station in Bokaro District. SP, Y S Ramesh said that around six Maoists, flaunting firearms and in Police uniform, arrived at the village and assaulted three persons including two employees of the company and set ablaze a road roller machine. Ramesh said a search operation was launched but the rebels managed to elude so far. The company was carrying out road construction work of 21 kilometres road between Banchatra to Baya Kapsassthan Jharna under Gomia block. The incident was believed to exert pressure on the contractor for payment of levy.

Police recovered explosives from trucks that were seized in Gaychanda under Jaridih Police Station in Bokaro District. The containers were opened in the presence of a magistrate deputed by the administration. The drivers of the trucks, bearing registration number of West Bengal, managed to flee from the spot. The incident came to light when the chowkidar of Gaychanda, Suresh Singh, was stabbed by Kalewar Singh, who was extorting money from the truck drivers. Later villagers informed Police about the incident and the two trucks carrying explosives. DSP, Ajay Kumar said that the Police though lodged FIR on complaint of Suresh and arrested Kalewar, they waited for magistrate deployment for opening the containers. "Today the containers were opened. Of the two trucks, explosives were recovered in one of the containers". There were four boxes inside the container, each of which had nine packets of explosives. These explosives were manufactured in Black Diamond Explosives Private Limited, situated in Burdwan in West Bengal. DSP said that investigation is being carried to identify the person who was transporting the explosives.

Food supplies for contingent of CPI-Maoist led by Polit Bureau member Arvind was seized by Police in Baresarn area in Latehar District. Latehar SP, Anoop Birtharey said the food supplies were bought from Mahuadarnd market and were being sent to Pipal Dhaab in Chhattisgarh, located at the foothill of Burha Pahar, and which falls in two states- Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Three people were arrested in connection with the case.

In a joint search operation, Police and CRPF personnel recovered 16 IEDs together weighing around 50 kilograms besides one regular 303 rifle, two country made guns, 327 rounds of ammunition and bullets of AK-47 in Serendag area in Latehar District. SP of Latehar, Anoop Birtharey said SFs also recovered a ten meter red banner of the CPI-Maoist. The recovered articles, which were kept in steel containers were dug out, said the SP.

A CPI-Maoist 'sub-zonal commander', who carried a reward of INR 500,000 on his head, surrendered before DGP, D.K. Pandey at the state Police headquarters in Ranchi District. A native of Balumath area of Latehar District, Baleshwar Oraon was a close aide of former Maoist 'zonal commander' Bada Vikas, who gave up arms on July 14, and figured as a named accused in at least 10 cases of Naxalite violence. Pandey welcomed Oraon into social mainstream and handed him an INR 500,000 cheque and INR 50,000 in cash. "The Maoists have lost the support of their cadres as well as common people. This is the 109th surrender under Operation Nai Disha. I sincerely urge other rebels to give up arms and avail the benefits of this policy. We will show them a new direction," Pandey said in his address at the event.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested from Amjhari Mode in Dumka District, with INR 400,000 in cash which they had collected as 'levy'. The arrested Maoists have been identified as Dinesh Kumar Mandal and his associate Ravindra Kumar Mandal. According to the Police the duos had collected the levy for Maoist 'commander' Jagdish Da alias Mota alias Mochu but were arrested before they could deliver the money.

Three commanders of PLFI, a breakaway faction of CPI-Maoist, surrendered in Simdega District. The surrendered cadres are identified as 'zonal commander' Maheshwar Singh alias Mahesh Singh (32), from Bano area of the District led his aides - 'area commander' Siyon Topno alias Yadav (18), and dasta member Pooran Yadav alias Babu (20). "They surrendered in a function attended by dozens of locals. The way they laid down arms in the public was a strong message, having great impact, to the people and the extremists," said Simdega, SP, Rajeev Ranjan Singh.

Mahesh Singh (23), Tarop gram pradhan, was arrested for having links with PLFI chief Dinesh Gope, from Simdega District. Live 5.5mm INSAS rifle cartridges, belonging to PLFI chief Gope was recovered from the house of Mahesh. SP off Simdega, Rajeev Ranjan Singh said Mahesh confessed to have close association with Gope, who carries a reward of INR 2.5 million on his head. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres killed a farmer associated with the Youth Congress at Punjo Sona Toli under Ghaghra Police Station area in Gumla District. The victim was identified as Sugambar Oraon (42). His bullet-riddled body was found half a kilometre from his residence. While his wife Birso Devi lodged an FIR against unknown persons, Police recovered a pamphlet near his body, where the deceased was labelled an informer of splinter Naxalite group and CPI-Maoist's rival JJMP. "Around eight to nine armed men, suspected to be operatives of CPI (Maoist), abducted Oraon from his residence, took him about half a kilometre away and rained bullets on his head and ribs. According to reports, some local residents had rushed to his rescue, but stepped back when the rebels threatened them," said Ghaghra OIC Rajendra Rajak.

Rebels, identifying themselves as belonging to JPC, shot dead two villagers busy in gambling at Kusumba village in Katkamdag block in Hazaribagh District. Around 20 villagers were gambling under a tree when they found themselves surrounded by around 25 uniformed men with guns. The men identified themselves as JPC rebels and asked the villagers to hand over their mobile phones. They also beat up a few with lathis. "The men called out the names of Rupesh Yadav (36) and Degan Tuti (40), asking them to step forward out. Both were beaten up and shot dead," said Harinath Yadav, brother of Rupesh, who was at the scene. Katkamdag OIC Samir Tirkey visited the spot. "The reasons behind the murders are still not clear. JPC was involved in the crime," he said. JPC is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

The CPI-Maoist cadres blasted the house of a former Maoist Uday Mahto of Pirtand block in Giridih District, and also set a rest room on fire in the same locality under the Pirtand Police Station in the District. According to reports, suspected Maoists numbering 120 cadres raided the house of ex-Maoist Mahto near Bhirangi Mor in Madhubhan area and triggered a dynamite blast blowing up the house of Mahto, who recently surrendered before the Police. They also set the rest house on fire in the same locality, the Police said, adding, nobody was present in the two houses during the incident. Both the families were residing elsewhere following threats from Naxalites. No person has been injured in the blast. Giridih, SP, Akhilesh B. Varrier, who confirmed no casualty took place, said Maoists tried to terrorise their colleagues mulling the surrender option and harmed the Parasnath Action Plan by blowing up the under-construction shed meant for poor palki-bearers.

Maoist cadres set on fire four equipments engaged in road construction at Hesakocha village in Seraikela-Kharsawan District. Chandil SDPO, Sandeep Bhagat said the cadres have set on fire a tractor, a water tank, a mixture machine and a road roller last evening and the Maoist squad led by Maharaj Pramanik, which is active in the area, is suspected to be behind it. The demand of levy by the rebels was suspected to be reason behind the incident, he said adding a massive search has been launched in Hesakocha jungle by SF personnel.

Suspected Naxalites set ablaze four road construction machineries in Khunti District. PLFI cadres assaulted labourers and set on fire one excavator, one dumper, one tipping kit and a truck after chasing away the labourers at Bamahni village in Khunti District today afternoon, SP, Anish Gupta said. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Four PLFI cadres, who were arrested from near Lohajmi village in Khunti District on November 6, were remanded in judicial custody even as Police continued search for one of their associates who managed to flee during the last night raid. Sources said a joint team of CRPF and District Police personnel rounded up the four during a search operation launched following a tip-off on movement of suspected rebels in forests along the bank of Karo river in Tapkara area. After a hot chase, the security men arrested Prasanna Gudia, Ruben Gudia, Manoj Gudia and Susrihit Bodra from the village, some 40 kilometres from Khunti District headquarters. A gun, cartridges, mobile phones and PLFI literature were found on them. Another rebel Sanjeevan Topno alias Disco, however, gave the Police the slip in the darkness of the night. "The police have intensified search to nab Sanjeevan," Khunti SP, Anish Gupta said. He added the four had revealed some information about the outfit and the Police were verifying their claims.

The CPI-Maoist cadres blew up the ancestral house of their former comrade Uday Mahto in Pirtand block in Giridih District. They accused Mahto of swindling their organisational funds.

A petrol pump owner in Ranchi District has landed in the Police net, while trying to deposit INR 2.538 million, allegedly belonging to a PLFI leader, in his account at the Bero branch of SBI. Chandrashekhar Kumar (25), owner of Rekha Petrol Pump in Bero on Ranchi's outskirts, was arrested along with his father Nand Kumar Mahto (52), brother-in-law Vinod Kumar (32) and friend Mohan Kumar alias Rajesh. A team, led by DSP, Bero, Ajit Kumar Sinha, made the arrests on the basis of a tip-off received by SSP, Kuldeep Dwivedi. "The cash belonged to PLFI supremo Dinesh Gope. He had given it to Chandrashekhar, who, along with the other three, was depositing the cash in his account (number 35650233071) when they were caught. Apart from the Rs 25.38 lakh, all in Rs 1,000 notes, we also seized seven mobile phones, one four-wheeler used to carry the money and filled deposit slips from them," SSP, Dwivedi said. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Armed Forces comprising of the State Police and Para-Military Forces have been deployed in forest areas and villages along the Parasnath foothills, a day after CPI-Maoist cadres blew up 'Doli shade' and house of former Maoist at Madhuban in Giridih District. "Friday's Maoist attack was a result of their frustration after they realized they were losing ground in the region. Unlike previous instances, this time, they targeted government buildings which were constructed for the 'Doli bearers'. Since most of the 'Doli bearers' are natives here, and were directly or indirectly related to rebels in the past, rebels are now trying to terrorize them," DIG, Hazaribagh, Upendra Kumar, said. "At a time when police were regularly interacting with villagers for all-round development, rebels expressed their disapproval over the same by blowing up the shade", SP, AB Variar, said, adding that Security Forces would continue to instill confidence among rural citizens. Meanwhile, Madhuban Police lodged an FIR against 40-50 armed activists of the Maoists on November 5, including top Maoist leaders and others, allegedly involved in Friday's (November 4) attack.

Giridih Police arrested senior CPI-Maoist 'commander' Ramesh Mandal from Motileda village under Bengabad Police Station in Giridih District. Mandal, who carried an award of INR 500,000 on his head, was associated with the Maoists' organization for about two decades. He was allegedly involved in dozens of big incidents in Giridih and the suburban area including Chilkhari massacre in 2007, in which the son of the former State Chief Minister Babulal Marandi was killed, Mahendra Singh murder case, Giridih home guard camp attack, Giridih Jail Van attack 2012 and others. "In 2011, Mandal was arrested from Lalpaniya in and Bokaro and later shifted to Giridih divisional Jail. But he was released by his close aides during a jail break in December 2011. The government had declared an award of Rs 5 lakh on his head," Police said.

A company of women CRPF has been designated to fight against LWE in State. The women will also conduct search operations in CPI-Maoist dominated areas. The women company under CRPF's 135 Bn carried out a search operation against Maoists at Karra and other Maoist-stronghold areas in Khunti District on November 12. The company engaged in a mock drill through the hour-long search operation. A CRPF official said that women forces of CRPF are well-trained to handle all kinds of weapons such as INSAS, AK-47, hand grenade. He said that female forces have undergone rigorous training to face any battle against the rebels. IGP, MS Bhatia, said that the unit will be deployed at all Maoist dominated Districts of the State. IGP, Bhatia, said that since a large number of female cadres have joined the LWEs, it will be easier for the women CRPF to gauge the operations in such cases. He said that the State has adequate male Para Military Forces. When asked about the deployment of female constables, Bhatia said that it would be decided as per the requirement of the Red zones.

Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das announced that 10,000 Police personnel and 2,500 Assistant Police would be recruited next year. He further stated that the Assistant Police personnel would be deployed in LWE-hit areas and they would get INR 10,000 per month and their services would be confirmed after three years. He also mentioned that INR 240 billion already exists to provide employment to the youth and investment for the infrastructure. He added that for investments peace was necessary and investments increased following prevailing of peace in Jharkhand.

A businessman, Yogesh Mishra (40) who owns a Nursing Home, was killed and his vehicle set ablaze, by Naxals near Raisilli Pahar under Kuchai Police Station of Seraikela-Kharsawan District. Apparently, Naxals were asking Mishra to convert their black money into white in the wake of banning of INR 500 and INR 1000 currency notes. Mishra, refused to abide by Naxals citing example of Nand Kishore from Bero who was arrested on November 10 for carrying INR 2.5 million that belonged to PLFI supremo Dinesh Gope. Earlier, Mishra was involved in providing treatment to two Naxals injured in last year's firing at the SSP, Ranchi. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

CRPF has deployed a team of women commandos for anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand. 135 women commandos belonging to the 232 battalion's Delta Company are currently undertaking operations under the close supervision of CRPF's 133 battalion in Naxal-infested forests on the outskirts of Ranchi District near Khoonti area.

Three CPI-Maoist cadres, including a self-styled 'area commander', were arrested when they assembled in a house at Dharampur locality on the way to a bank for exchanging/depositing extortion money in Latehar District. The three arrested Maoists with one lakh cash each are identified as Ravinder Yadav alias Rahul, Anil Yadav and Ramjeet Yadav. Ravinder is the 'area commander' of the CPI-Maoist and works for top Maoist Nakul Yadav and Subhash Yadav. Ramjeet Yadav another supporter of Nakul Yadav and Subhash Yadav had dodged the Police on November 18 when he succeeded in depositing INR 100,000 with PNB branch in Latehar. DSP, Latehar, Purshottam Kumar Singh, said Police recovered three cell phones from their possession.

The Jharkhand Police have started a poster campaign in Naxal-hit areas of the state asking people not to deposit or exchange the demonetised currency notes belonging to the LWEs or their organisations. The IGP (operation), M.S. Bhatia told that the villagers should not deposit the illegal money of CPI-Maoist in Jan Dhan accounts, otherwise they will be held responsible for such transactions. He added that Jharkhand Police is putting up pamphlets in remote rural areas where hardcore Maoists have dumped their cash. The Police have launched a poster and pamphlet campaign in more than 16 Districts like Lohardaga, Latehar, Garwah, Chatra, Khunti and Chaibasa. In Jharkhand, LWE collect INR 1.5 billion to INR 2 billion a year in the form of 'levy' or protection fee they slap on villagers, businesses and contractors.

Six CPI-Maoist cadres were killed in an encounter with the CoBRA commandos of the CRPF and the Jharkhand Police in Latehar District. CRPF, IG, Sanjay Lathkar confirmed the deaths in the encounter that took place in a remote location on the forested banks of the Koel River in area under Chhipadohar Police Station. Six bodies of the rebels in black uniform were recovered. The bodies are yet to be identified, but Police officials said the uniforms worn by the rebels and the weapons found with them indicate they were Maoists of senior rank. "An INSAS rifle, a SLR, a carbine and three other firearms have been recovered from the encounter site. The other members of the Maoist squad fled the spot during the gunbattle," said Latehar SP, Anup Birtharey.

The Jharkhand Police and IT Department officials began a probe in Chatra District of Jharkhand following reports that state's banned LWE group, TPC, had deposited around INR 10 crore in the accounts of villagers reports .According to sources, TPC Chief Brajesh Ganjhu held a meeting with around 200 villagers on November 11, where he asked them to deposit their money in their Jan Dhan Yojna accounts, old age pension, scholarship scheme, MNREGS and other savings accounts. TPC is a splinter group of CPI-Maoist.

The CRPF got a new battalion, the 232 Women's Battalion, fourth women's unit in the force but the first to be deployed in active combat in Jharkhand and West Bengal. The 232 Women's Battalion have been trained for 44 weeks in jungle warfare, unarmed combat and smart weapons firing. They have been trained to negotiate dense forests and rivers so that they are capable of tackling every obstacle that they may face while fighting Maoists. They have been deployed in the 'company formation' style, which means about 100 personnel at one time. "We did not compromise on the training standards. The benchmarks were as stringent. We had to keep them ready for combat in these areas. So, I think they are geared up. Both psychologically and physically," Sudeep Lakhtakia, ADP (Operations), said.

The Police CPI-Maoist cadre at Pavda Pahad in Nutadih village under Ghorabandha Police Station in East Singhbhum District. The arrested Maoist was identified as Sanatan Munda; a resident of LWE infested area. Sanatan belonged to a 15-member Ghorabandha squad. The Maoists was arrested during a search operation being carried by District Police and CRPF. The drive was led by rural SP, Mohammad Arshi. Senior SSP, Anup Mathew, said that acting on a tip-off they acted and have recovered a lap top along with six live cartilages, magazines, and carbine.

Five CPI-Maoist cadres were arrested from different areas of Dumka District. One of the arrested Maoists, Mithilesh Mandal, had escaped during transit while returning from a court in Giridih in 2012. He faced several Naxal-related cases under different Police Stations and was the self-styled 'area commander' of the banned outfit, SP, Prabhat Kumar said. Two country-made pistols, two four wheelers, five ATM cards, five cheque books, seven mobiles, naxal literature, five passbooks of different banks were recovered from the possession of those arrested. The seized INR 3.153 million in cash included four new INR 2,000 notes while the rest are the defunct INR 500 and INR 1,000 currency notes.

In order to boost its internal security, the Cabinet has decided to constitute three new battalions of IRB each carrying 1007 forces. In total, the battalions would get 3021 men in uniform as paramilitary, 25 per cent of that would necessarily be deployed in anti-Naxal operations in the State. Informing about this, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) NN Pandey said that the battalions would be forced as per the standards of the (MoH). "The Cabinet has decided to raise three new IRB battalions in the State as per the standards of the GoI. It has also been decided that 25 per cent of the 3021 personnel would be designated as special task force for the disturbed areas," told reporters. This apart, the Cabinet on the special instructions of Chief Minister Raghubar Das has approved formation of Civil Defense Volunteers in 19 more districts along with Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Bokaro. 100 volunteers would be roped in every district and would be given five sessions of training for six days each. "The volunteers would be trained in such a manner that they can handle law and order issues arising at local level. They would be paid Rs 250 for each training day and the same amount would be paid for each day of service," said Pandey. Districts such as Hazaribagh, Dhanbad, Ramgarh, Giridih, Koderma, Chatra, Dumka, Deoghar, Pakur, Palamu, Latehar, Garhwa, Gumla, Lohardaga, Simdega, West Singhbhum, Khunti, Saraikela, Jamtara would be covered.

Simdega Police claimed that founder and chief of PLFI, Dinesh Gope, was injured during an encounter on Pangur-Bintuka road in Simdega District on November 29. Acting on information that Gope was likely to sneak into Odisha through the forests in Bano block, District Police came across five men on two motorcycles near Bintuka School. SP, Rajiv Ranjan Singh said, "A police team intercepted those men on the bikes and asked them to stop, following which they resorted to firing. An exchange of fire broke out between the two groups and the encounter reportedly lasted for over an hour. Reinforcements from nearby police stations and district headquarters reached the spot later," Singh said. The Police also claimed that Dinesh Gope was injured in the encounter, however, his aides managed to take him and escaped. Police recovered one Royal Enfield Himalayan bike with four-five bullet marks, Hero Charizma motor bike, 36 pieces of unfired INSAS bullets, 10 pieces of empty cartridges of INSAS, three empty cartridges of AK-47, mobile chargers and an extension board. Singh said that the recovery of the Himalayan bike confirmed the presence of Gope, since he is known to be moving around in the area on that particular two-wheeler. "The recovery of empty cartridges of AK-47 indicates the presence of top leaders of the outfit. We are sharing the appearance and details of the person, who led the encounter for the rebels, with local intelligence," Singh said. "PLFI is one among the last LWE groups active in the region and the Tuesday encounter comes as a huge blow to their morale here," Singh said. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist, engaged in organised extortion from contractors and traders in Simdega.

The Jharkhand Government will set up a security camp atop Burha Pahar in Latehar District, which has become a bastion of the CPI-Maoist with its top leaders, such as Arvindji and Sudhakaran. Dev Kumar Singh alias Arvindji carries a reward of INR 10 million. Sudhakaran came to Jharkhand from Andhra Pradesh early this year to help Maoists regain control over the bases smashed by SFs, Police said. "Burha Pahar that has become a synonym for LWE will soon be under police control. Security forces will set up a camp there," State's Chief Secretary Rajabala Verma, praising the forces for their offensives against the Maoists in the region CPI-Maoist cadres pasted a poster, at former MLA Laxman Swarnkar Gandey's house in Ahilyapur village in Giridih District, warning him of dire consequences if he did not part his ways with JVM Chief Babu Lal Marandi.

Suspected Naxalites apparently belonging to a newly formed outfit raided a road construction site, thrashed workers and set ablaze four SUVs in Keredari in Hazaribagh District. Police said the attack was aimed at intimidating and extorting money from the management of ECI Company, which has been engaged by the State Highways Authority for the renovation of 117 kilometres-long Hazaribagh-Bijupada road at a cost of INR 4.41 billion. Sources said around 15 armed Naxalites of newly formed JKRD stormed into the ECI camp at Damhabagi village in Keredari block, some 52 kilometres from Hazaribagh District headquarters, around 2am. The extremists took three workers at gunpoint and then beat them up badly. They warned them against working on the project and set four vehicles on fire. The suspected extremists left behind a pamphlet, wherein one Amit ji claimed responsibility for the attack, and disappeared into Keredari forests. Local sources said of late, CPI-Maoist cadres and their breakaway factions had been on the back foot in the face of sustained Police patrol in the area. There hadn't been any big crime here in recent past, they claimed. So, the raid was basically a handiwork of a local gang, which wanted to terrorise the agency officials in the garb of a new rebel outfit. Hazaribagh, SP, Bhimsen Tuti visited the spot to take stock of the situation and spoke to the workers. "Preliminary probe hints at involvement of a criminal gang, and police have identified some of its members. Raids are on and all of them will be arrested soon," the SP added.

Ravindra Kumar, a BJP member in Koderma District, arrested for having links with LWEs. Following completion of a probe into the cases related to supplying explosives to the outlawed, the DC office of the District has initiated stern action against Ravindra Kumar and ordered to shut down his firm 'Sarang Explosive'. Ravindra Kumar alias Raju Mehta, is the proprietor of 'Sarang Explosive' and said to be an active member of the BJP at Phulwaria of Domchanch in Koderma District. As per a detailed report of the Koderma, SP, dated September 11, 2016, Sarang Explosive's hand was found in a Naxal incident having taken place three days before at Barachatti of Gaya District in neighbouring Bihar.

Chatra District Police claimed to have arrested an 'area commander' of the PLFI, a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist. Mukesh Yadav, a resident of Lesligunj in Palamu, was arrested from Shabano village under Simaria Police Station in the District, by a joint team of local Police and a CRPF unit. Yadav carries a cash reward of INR 200,000 on him as announced by the State Home Department. Chatra, SP, Anjani Kumar Jha said Yadav, who is in his mid-twenties, was hiding in a house when he was arrested with a loaded country-made pistol. "Yadav tried to escape the house from the rear but was chased down. He did not offer any resistance and no-gunshots were fired from our end as well," Jha claimed. Chatra Police added that Yadav, 'area commander' of Lesligunj and Satbarwah Zone, was sent to Chatra few months ago, by PLFI's 'second-in-command' Santosh Yadav, to strengthen the outfit's organizational set up. Yadav had joined the PLFI fold as early as 1999 and operated mostly in Palamu and Latehar Districts. He has six registered cases against him, comprising attempt to murders, kidnappings and extortion.

The District Police recovered 14 IEDs from an unspecified location in Latehar District.

The DC of Palamu District, Ameet Kumar said that Naxals require 'counselling' for making them detached from violence and gun culture. Addressing in a Janta Darbar at heavily Naxal infested Chak Village of Manatu Block of Palamu District; the DC admitted that area has serious problem in hands. Moreover locals were of view that counselling to Naxals is a good idea and in this job civil society activist should come forward but asking Naxals to shun violence and stop using 'bandook' (gun) to gain 'haque' (right) on their naxal hit soil is no easy thing to do. DC made this appeal to the naxals when his district Agricultural Officer had offered 300 farmers each 10 kilograms of free wheat seed. Farmers had to assure that they had three times 'patwan' (irrigating) facility with them. The farmers on hearing these freebies in the shape of seed of wheat at once dashed towards the stall of the agricultural department.

A 'sub-zonal commander' of CPI-Maoist, identified as Sanjay Korwa, carrying a bounty of INR 500,000, surrendered before Palamu, DIG of Police, Vipul Shukla and Latehar, SP, Anup Birtharey in Latehar District. Sanjay surrendered without any weapon. The Maoist was accompanied by his wife and wore his Maoist uniform. Birtharey said Sanjay had five cases against him and he was operative in Bareysarn, Mahuadarn and Mandal. Inducted in the Maoist outfit around seven years ago, Sanjay reached the position of 'sub-zonal commander' for his ferocity in ambushing the SFs. He is learnt to have remained in regular touch with Arvindji, Bada Vikas and also cadres of Chhattisgarh Maoist outfit.

A hardcore Maoist wanted in dozen cases was arrested by Bermo Police in Bokaro District. The arrested rebel has been identified as Kalimullah Ansari alias Kamruddin Ansari alias Karu Miya, belonging to Lodhi village under the Gomia Police Station. The Bermo SDPO, Rajkumar Mahto said that the arrested Naxal Karu Miya has admitted his involvement in dozen cases related to Naxal activities in and around Bokaro and Hazaribagh Districts. Police claimed that it was a major breakthrough for the District Police he was evading arrest from Bokaro and Hazaribagh Police last 20 years. Giving details of the arrested Maoist's modus operandi, Mehta said, he came to Lodhi panchayat for solving some land dispute.

The mukhiya of Jargo panchayat in Tamar block in Ranchi District, Jeevan Singh Munda (38), was dragged out of his home by unidentified assailants, masquerading as Police, and shot dead. CPI-Maoist posters found near his body read that Munda was being "punished for being a Police informer" and others should learn a lesson from his death. The forested spot where the mukhiya's body was found is 25 kilometres from Tamar thana and around 80 kilometres from the State capital, Ranchi. An unnamed local resident claimed that Munda was once a Maoist sympathizer, adding, "But, he parted ways with the rebels three years ago and entered mainstream politics. Currently, he did not have any political affiliation and facilitated construction of rural roads to help Police movement in the area." Rural SP, Raj Kumar Lakra said, "Four Maoist posters found near his body said he had paid the price for being a police informer. But, there is nothing on record to prove that the deceased was an informer. We are also not aware of his past Maoist links."

Acting on a tip-off by local residents, Police recovered a huge cache of 120 IEDs, two cylinder bombs, weighing five kilograms each, and 200 metres of codex wire, used in landmine blasts, from a Maoist hideout in Barwaiya forests of Manika in Latehar District. The explosives were found hidden underneath rocks atop a hillock in the dense forests. Latehar, SP, Anoop Birtharay said the explosives belonged to the Maoist squad of 'sub-zonal commander' Shravan Yadav who carried a reward of INR 500,000 on his head. "At present, he has been located in Gaya district of neighbouring Bihar. Almost all Maoist squads have fled the district following recent search operations but they have sympathisers who extend them logistic support," said SP, Birtharay. Sharing the credit of the recovery with the villagers, he said it was an outcome of community policing. "I regularly visit the remote villages and introduce community policing there," added SP, Birtharay. Police sources said Maoist squads of 'sub-zonal commanders' Ugreshwar Yadav and Virendra Yadav, who too carried INR 500,000 rewards each on their heads, also used to operate in Latehar. Following recent operations, they have hidden their arms and ammunition and fled to safer havens.

A person was arrested from Khunti District, for pasting a PLFI poster. The poster, issuing a warning to tribal MLAs and MPs, was found in Murhu area of Khunti, prompting Police to arrest one Surendra Swansi alias Bhotha alias Guerrilla. Further, the PLFI, a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist, called a 24-hour bandh on December 14, in the PLFI strongholds in the State (outskirts of Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega, Lohardaga, Latehar, Giridih and mining areas of Santhal Pargana). The bandh is in protest against the amendments in tenancy laws.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das said that the State Government was planning to start a programme of inducting youngsters in the Naxal-affected areas as Auxiliary Police, who will be later absorbed as regular Police. He also said that demonetisation has hit the Naxals and other extremist elements hard. Speaking at the inaugural three-day workshop of Police officials from 10 LWE-affected States conducted by the CRPF in Ranchi, Das said that development and peace were complementary to each other. The programme, said Das, envisaged inducting the youngsters from these areas as Auxiliary and absorbing them as regular Police after three years of training. Das also stressed on the need for better coordination and sharing of intelligence between the States. During the workshop, the officials from 10 States - Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal - discussed ways to share intelligence and make coordinated efforts in curbing naxal movements. They also discussed use of media and social media, besides technology in dealing with naxals.

CRPF, DG, Durga Prasad claimed that Naxalism will end from Jharkhand by 2017. He addressed the media after attending the video conference with Union Cabinet Secretary in Building Project. He pressed that in Jharkhand, greater coordination among CRPF, SSB, BSF and State Police is required to eradicate the Naxal campaign by 2017.

UMoSHA Hansraj Gangaram Ahir blamed the CPI-Maoist for underdevelopment of tribals in the country while addressing media in Ranchi District of Jharkhand. He was attending the concluding part of three-day workshop on "LWE Theatre - Interstate operations and coordination' hosted by the CRPF, Ahir said that the living standard of tribals in most parts of the country is around 150 years behind that of our modern cities. "The Maoists have not allowed development work to penetrate to the far flung hamlets," he accused reiterating his government's commitment to wipe out Naxalism of all forms from the country with full might."We don't want to use bullets against our own people and its better if they understand our language (Hum chahte hain ki goli nahi boli se baat bane) and get prepared to shun violence," he said. Ahir expressed disappointment over use of CAPF for controlling LWE in different states. "If we are not compelled to use our forces within the mainland they can be engaged at the borders," he said. He took a stock of the situation prevailing in all ten states which includes Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh considered to be red corridor region of the country. "Our Central Minister Rajnath Singh has agreed to extend full cooperation in terms of financial support and assistance of the security forces in these states to ensure that the development work is not affected," he said. Ahir pointed finger to the fact that most of the Central Welfare schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, extending loans under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna and Skill Development Programmes have failed to reach the tribal hamlets because of CPI- Maoist presence. "Construction of schools, health centres, railway, industry, irrigation projects and roads have also suffered because of presence of Maoists which has not just retarded government's effort for development but has deprived the tribals of facilities that they should enjoy as citizens of an independent nation," he said underlining the fact that everyone in the country has equal right to life and opportunities.

A hardcore CPI-Maoist Devilal Marandi, who carried a reward of INR 200,000, was arrested from his home at Haldipahari in Dumka District. He was involved in the killing of Police personnel including a SP. Acting on a tip-off that Marandi alias Joseph Marandi was visiting his home, SFs led by ASP (Operations), Emanuel Baski raided the village and arrested him, SP, Prabhat Kumar said. Marandi was involved in several criminal cases, including killing of Pakur SP, Amarjeet Balihar, in an ambush in Shikaripara Police Station in 2013 and the officer-in-charge of Shikaripara Police Station Satanand Singh in September 2010 under the same Police Station limits, he said. A case was also pending against him in Pakur District in connection with Simaldhav encounter in 2013, the SP said, adding Marandi was an active member of Santal Paragana North sub-zone of CPI -Maoists.

Police arrested two cadres of the TPC, a CPI-Maoist splinter group, after a fierce gunbattle in a dense forest area of Herhanj in Latehar District, seizing, among others, an AK- 47 and an INSAS rifle, two 3.3 and .315 guns and over 600 cartridges. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the weapons had possibly been stolen from Police. Latehar SP, Anoop Birtharay received a tip-off about a TPC squad moving around in the dense forests of Herhanj, about 75 kilometres from the District headquarters. After verification, he formed special teams comprising the State Police and CRPF to take them on from multiple directions. Police sources said the rebels were cooking a meal, when Police zeroed in on them. The rebels were the first to open fire after which the Police retaliated. Finally, the rebels started to flee, leaving behind some of their weapons and essentials. "The arrested rebels, Chhotu Thakur and Manoj Ganju, both around 25 years of age, are being brought to Latehar district headquarters. They are being interrogated. Around 35 rebels were present when the encounter began. No policeman has been injured in the operation," SP, Birtharay said.

A PLFI 'sub-zonal commander' Lalit Baraik (30), wanted in 13 murder cases, surrendered before DSP, Kotwali, Bhola Prasad Singh in Khunti District. In Khunti, a PLFI poster, asking people to protest against the amendments in tenancy laws was seized from the outskirts. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

SFs arrested two LWEs in Latehar District. In a joint operation, Police of Latehar District and paramilitary CRPF personnel arrested the Naxals belonging to TPC, and seized a cache of arms and ammunition from their possession. TPC is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist which was formed in 2002. They routinely call strikes, attack Government property and target politicians and Police.

PLFI 'area commander' Lalit Kumar Badaik of Bano surrendered before Kotwali Police in Simdega District. An inter pass student from +2 Navodaya Vidyalaya in Gumla, Badaik joined the PLFI cadre in the year 2006 after he was sent to jail in a murder case. "After remaining there from 2006 to 2010, I decided to get into the mainstream again and was underground till now. During these years, I kept on moving from one place to another with my family and finally contacted a journalist who helped me to surrender before the Police today," said Badaik. Badaik, who used to carry AK-47 along with him, has more than 13 cases registered against him in various Police Stations in Simdega.

District Police of Bokaro along with the CRPF found a haul of explosives stocked by the CPI-Maoist cadres in Goniyato in Jhumra foothills under Pek Police Station of Gomia Block in Bokaro District. SP, Y S Ramesh said that search operations were conducted following leads of Maoist movement in the jungle near Goniyato village, where they found a sack behind the bushes. The sack contained 101 gelatin gel packs and 10 electric detonators.

Latehar Police seized INR 1.5 million in the banned currency notes, including INR 300,000 belonging to a self-styled 'zonal commander' of the CPI-Maoist in Latehar District. The Latehar Police also arrested a bank manager in a raid at a bank in Balumath area. SP, Anoop Birtharay said the raid was conducted based on tip-off that the CPI-Maoist front-ranking leader Chotu Kherwar had deposited the old currency notes in his wife Lalitha Dev's account, allegedly in connivance with Branch Manager Chandan Kumar. Birtharay said Chandan had allegedly received INR 1.5 million in old from Chotu Kherwar alias Sujit Kherwar and had already deposited INR 12,000,000 in 64 installments in Devi's account while INR 300,000 cash was yet to be deposited. The entire amount has been seized, the SP said, adding that Chandan has been arrested.

PLFI cadres gunned down one Pravin Kandulna (24) after accusing him of sexually abusing village girls in Kolebira of Simdega District. Armed rebels led by one Vijay Dang, who claimed to be the new PLFI 'area commander', forced the youth to come out of his home at Tutikel village. They took him half a kilometre away and killed him. "Our preliminary inquiries suggest the PLFI executed this killing to regain their foothold in the area. No one has so far complained that Kandulna used to sexually exploit girls. However, our investigations are on. Search operations too have been intensified," said Simdega SP, Rajeev Ranjan Singh. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

A PLFI cadre was killed during an encounter with Police at Murhu in Khunti District. A carbine, a .315 rifle, three 9mm pistols, several rounds of live cartridges, three mobile phones, two bikes and INR 4,500 cash were also recovered. Khunti SP, Ashwini Kumar Sinha said they got a tip-off that a PLFI squad, comprising 'sub-zonal commander's Prabhu Sahay and Pattu Nag, was moving in the forests in Murhu and Arki. After verifying the information, the SP formed special teams to corner the rebels from all sides. The rebel, Mahadeo Munda, was killed in exchange of fire. His body was recovered from the spot, which is located 40 kilometres from Khunti District headquarters. The other PLFI members managed to escape. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Giridih Police arrested two JPC cadres, including its Chief Nageshwar Ganju, from a forest under Sariya Police Station in Giridih District. The other person arrested has been identified as Purushottam Ganju, who was the 'sub-zonal commander' and a close aide of Ganju. SFs also recovered three land mines (each weighing between 2-2.5 Kilograms), a JPC letter pad and CPI-Maoist literature from the cadres. Police said the duo was involved in at least 17 cases of levy collection, loot, dacoity and murders in Hazaribagh and Chatra Districts. Ganju carried a reward of INR 500,000 on his head, Police added. "Based on inputs that the two accused were planning to meet some local youths in Dhawaiya forests area, we arrested them," SP, Abhishek B Variar said. "The duo was nabbed while they were delivering a speech to lure villagers in their group. At least 25-30 youths managed to escape in the dark", Sariya-Bagodar SDPO, Deepak Kumar Sharma said. "During investigation, Ganju, said they were planning to expand their base in Giridih. Apart from local traders, their main target for levy collections and other criminal acts were contractors," Sharma added. JPC is a splinter group of CPI-Maoist.

Two cadres belonging to JPC were arrested and arms and ammunition seized from Paharia forests of Katkamdag block, during a joint search by District Police and paramilitary forces in Hazaribagh District. DIG (Hazaribagh range), Upendra Kumar, said that it was one of the biggest arms haul involving any extremist outfit in the District. The recovered arms were one AK-47, two self-loading rifles, one semi-automatic gun, one .315 rifle, 143 rounds of rifle bullets, 24 rounds of AK-47 bullets, nine magazines, three small bags, seven mobile phones and a few caps. The arrested duos have been identified as Prakash Yadav and Bablu Yadav. Sources said after the arrest of JPC supremo Nageshwar Ganjhu alias Nagji, and outfit 'commander' Purushottam Ganjhu from Giridih on December 25, Police came to know about the huge cache of arms in Paharia forests. The DIG said that the search was undertaken after CRPF personnel and Police team, led by officers from Hazaribagh, Giridih and Chatra Districts, reached the spot yesterday evening. "They noticed suspicious movement inside the forests. When police gave a chase, many rebels - Dasrath Yadav, Baljeet, Ishwar Yadav, Khanan Yadav, Arun Yadav, Rewa Ganjhu and Suraj Ganjhu - managed to escape. But their associates, Prakash and Bablu, were caught," Kumar said. JPC pamphlets, mobile phones and two walkie-talkies were found on them. The duo admitted that they were hiding in the forest and kept the arms, wrapped in polythene, under the ground. "They led us to the spot," the DIG added. JPC is a splinter of the CPI-Maoist.

A petrol bunk owner was threatened to pay INR 300,000 as levy through a PLFI poster in Palkot area of Gumla District. The poster was pasted on the boundary wall of the bunk. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.