Ranchi, September 7: A top Maoist leader carrying a bounty of ₹10 lakh was shot dead in an encounter with security forces in Jharkhand’s Chaibasa region, officials confirmed on Sunday.

The gunfight erupted in the Saranda forest under Goilkera police station in West Singhbhum district, where forces gunned down Amit Hasda, also known by his alias Aaptan, Superintendent of Police Paras Rana said.

Security personnel recovered an SLR rifle, explosives, and other arms from the encounter site. Following the operation, a massive search was launched across the forest to track down other Maoist units.

The development comes close on the heels of a deadly clash in Palamu district, where two policemen were killed and another critically injured in an exchange of fire with cadres of the banned Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC).

That gun battle took place in the Kedal forest under Manatu police station between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on September 3. Acting on intelligence that TSPC’s notorious zonal commander, Shashikant Ganjhu—also carrying a reward of ₹10 lakh—might visit his native village during the Karma festival, security forces launched a search operation.

As the team advanced, Ganjhu’s armed group reportedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange. Three policemen sustained injuries in the encounter. They were rushed to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital in Daltonganj, where two were declared dead.

Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, with security forces maintaining heightened vigil in Maoist-affected areas of the state.