Giridih/Bokaro: Jharkhand Police has achieved a major milestone in its ongoing campaign against Naxalite extremism. As part of Operation “Dakabeda,” security forces successfully cleared long-standing Naxalite strongholds in Parasnath Hills (Giridih) and Lugu-Jhumra Hills (Bokaro), resulting in the deaths of key Maoist commanders, including a Central Committee member carrying a bounty of ₹1 crore.
Historic Encounter on April 21, 2025
On April 21, 2025, eight Naxalites, including CCM Vivek alias Prayag Manjhi, were killed in a decisive encounter in the hilly areas of Village Vanshi and Jadwa, under the Pek Narayanpur police station in Bokaro district. Vivek Manjhi carried a bounty of ₹1 crore, marking a first in Jharkhand’s history where a CCM-level Naxalite with such a high bounty was neutralized.
Security forces also recovered 14 weapons of various types during the operation, which was conducted without any casualties among the personnel.
Months-Long Operation Yields Results
The anti-Naxalite campaign in Jharkhand has been ongoing since January 2025, during which:
- Two notorious Maoists were killed on January 22, 2025, in the same region.
- Ranvijay Mahato, an RCM-level Naxalite with a bounty of ₹15 lakh, was arrested.
- Over four months, security forces killed 10 Naxalite commanders and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition.
These operations have significantly weakened Maoist presence in Parasnath Hills and Lugu-Jhumra Hills, long considered strongholds and safe havens for extremists.
IPS Officers – Awardees (Credit – Social Media)
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of outstanding leadership, dedication, and bravery, a total of 14 officers and police personnel have been awarded the Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Efficiency Medal.
IPS Officers Honored:
- Amol Vinukant Homkar – Inspector General of Police, Railways (then IG, Operations)
- Dr. Michaelraj S. – Inspector General of Police, Operations (then IG, Bokaro)
- Indrajit Mahtha – Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jharkhand Jaguars
- Surendra Kumar Jha – Deputy Inspector General of Police, Personnel (then DIG, Bokaro)
- Manoj Swargiari – Commandant, Jharkhand Sub-Inspector-3, Govindpur, Dhanbad (then SP, Bokaro)
Other Police Personnel Awarded:
- Mithilesh Kumar, Deputy Commandant, Operation
- Sub-Inspector Jitendra Kumar
- Sub-Inspector Mantu Kumar
- ASI Deenbandhu Shekhar
- ASI Parash Kumar Verma
- ASI Vikas Karmakar
- ASI Bhagirath Rajwar
- ASI Shivnandan Hansda
- ASI Ajay Mehta
Significance
The successful operations underscore Jharkhand Police’s commitment to making the state Naxalite- and extremism-free. The neutralization of high-ranking Maoist leaders and the recovery of arms caches are major steps in restoring law and order in previously inaccessible areas.
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