Two policemen killed in Jharkhand Maoist operation in Palamu district, while another jawan was left critically injured. The clash took place during an anti-Maoist drive in Kedal forest, under Manatu police station limits.
The Encounter in Kedal Forest
Police launched the operation on Wednesday based on inputs about a Maoist team preparing for a strike. The target was Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC) commander Shashikant Ganjhu, who carries a ₹10 lakh reward. Security forces moved into Kedal forest, believed to be his stronghold.
As they advanced, TSPC militants opened fire. Police retaliated, triggering a fierce gunfight. Constables Santan Kumar Mehta from Sova Barewa and Sunil Ram from Parta village lost their lives. Another policeman, Rohit Kumar from Lalgarh, was shot and rushed to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital in Daltonganj, where doctors performed surgery.
What police said
Senior officers, including Palamu SP Reeshma Ramesan and probationary IPS officer Shubham Nagargoje, visited the hospital to meet the injured jawan and console grieving families. SP Ramesan confirmed that the mission aimed to neutralise Ganjhu and his group. “Two policemen have been martyred and one is under treatment,” she told reporters.
Ongoing search operation
Officials suspect that some TSPC cadres may also have been injured or killed, though no bodies were recovered. The forest area has been sealed off, and a search operation continues.
Kedal is barely 100 metres from Ganjhu’s house and is considered his base of control. He is believed to direct TSPC activities in both Palamu and Chatra.
