Jharkhand, Jan 24: Two more Maoists were killed during the ongoing Mega-buru anti-Naxal operation in the dense Saranda forest of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, police officials confirmed on Friday. With the latest encounter, the number of Maoists neutralised over the past 36 hours has risen to 17.

Among those killed was senior CPI (Maoist) leader Pati Ram Majhi, also known as Anal Da, who was carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head.

A senior police official said Friday’s action was a continuation of Thursday’s offensive as security forces pressed ahead with the large-scale operation against insurgents in the region. The Mega-buru operation, launched earlier this week, is aimed at dismantling Maoist strongholds in the mineral-rich Saranda area, which has long been considered a key base for left-wing extremism.

Police sources said security forces have intensified combing operations in the forested terrain, acting on specific intelligence inputs to flush out armed Maoist cadres hiding in the area. The terrain, known for its dense foliage and difficult access, has traditionally provided cover to insurgent groups.

Senior officials stated that the sustained offensive has delivered a major blow to Maoist activities in West Singhbhum district. Arms, ammunition and other incriminating materials were reportedly recovered from the encounter sites, although detailed information is yet to be officially released.

The Mega-buru operation is part of a broader crackdown on Maoist insurgency across Jharkhand, where extremist violence has continued to challenge law enforcement efforts and development initiatives. Authorities reiterated that the operation will continue until the region is fully secured and Maoist networks are completely dismantled.