Rourkela, March 12: A massive operation is underway in the Saranda forest as security forces move to capture top Maoist leaders Misir Besra and Asim Mandal alias Akash, who have repeatedly evaded arrest. Over 4,000 security personnel, including CRPF, CoBRA, Jaguar forces, and Chaibasa special police, have surrounded the forest, covering areas from Jaraikela to Thalkobad, Redha, Tiriliposhi, Chiria, and Gua. Drones and helicopters are being deployed to locate and neutralize the Maoist leaders.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that the government aims to make the country Maoist-free by March 31, and this operation is part of that larger initiative.
Security forces believe that Misir Besra and Asim Mandal are hiding somewhere within the forest. Earlier incidents, including gunfights on March 1 in Chiria and March 7 in Kolbonga, saw exchange of fire between Maoists and security forces, with Misir and Asim managing to escape. Following these events, the Odisha government announced a reward of ₹1.2 crore each for information leading to their capture. Jharkhand and the NIA have also declared rewards for both leaders.
The operation builds on previous encounters, such as the January 22 encounter where 15 Maoists, including leaders Patiram Majhi, Anmol alias Samarji, Amit, and Rapa Munda, were killed. Despite these setbacks, Misir and Asim continue to evade capture while targeting security personnel in different forest areas.
Security forces remain on high alert, maintaining round-the-clock operations, with drones patrolling the forest and helicopters on standby to support rescue and engagement missions. Authorities have stated that a major encounter strategy is ready to be executed in Saranda in the coming days.
