In a major breakthrough for security forces, a high-profile Naxalite leader, Amit Hansda, was killed during an encounter in Jharkhand’s Chaibasa on Sunday. Hansda, who operated as a Zonal Commander, carried a reward of ₹10 lakh on his head and had been one of the most wanted insurgents in the state. The encounter was the result of a carefully coordinated operation involving the elite COBRA battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the district police, marking a significant victory in Jharkhand’s long-running fight against left-wing extremism.

Officials confirmed that Hansda had been involved in several violent incidents and was considered a key figure in Naxalite strategies across Jharkhand’s tribal belt. During the exchange of fire, security forces recovered a large cache of arms, including an SLR rifle, which indicates the scale of resources the militant group had access to. Jharkhand Police spokesperson and IG Operations Michaelraj S stated that Hansda’s elimination will likely deal a severe blow to Naxalite networks in the region, as he had been instrumental in both planning and executing armed attacks.

The encounter reflects the increasing intensity of counter-insurgency operations in Jharkhand, where security forces have ramped up surveillance and joint offensives to dismantle Naxalite strongholds. While officials celebrated the successful operation, they also acknowledged that the movement still poses challenges due to its deep-rooted presence in remote areas. The recovery of advanced weapons has raised concerns about the sources of militant supplies, making it clear that the fight against extremism is far from over despite this crucial success.