A fierce encounter between security forces and Naxalites in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district led to the death of two Naxals, including the notorious area commander Kunwar Manjhi. Manjhi, who had a reward of ₹25 lakh on his head, was killed during the clash in the Lugu Pahar and Birhordera areas under the Gomia police station jurisdiction. A soldier from the Cobra 209 battalion was also martyred in the operation.
Security forces are conducting extensive search operations across Jharkhand to eliminate the Naxal threat. The operation began when Naxals ambushed a search party in the Lugu Pahar forests. The security forces responded, resulting in the deaths of the two Naxals.
Kunwar Manjhi, a key figure in the Naxal operations, was identified as having a ₹5 lakh bounty. A Cobra battalion soldier was critically injured during the encounter and later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the firefight, security forces launched a thorough search of the area. Advanced weapons and ammunition were recovered from the possession of the Naxals.
Earlier, on April 21, 2025, a similar encounter occurred in the same Lugu Pahar area, resulting in the death of eight Naxals, including Prayag Manjhi alias Vivek, who had a ₹1 crore bounty. A significant amount of weaponry, including INSAS rifles and other firearms, was recovered at the time.
The ongoing operations clearly demonstrate the commitment of security forces to eradicate Naxalism from Jharkhand, with further intensification of operations anticipated.