(Left) SP Manoj Swargiyari Addressing Press Conference in Seraikela (Right) Weapons Recovered from Maoists Displayed
Ranchi: In a major development in the ongoing fight against Red Terrorism, security forces from Jharkhand and West Bengal have intensified a coordinated operation to capture top CPI (Maoist) leader Asim Mandal, a Central Committee member carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore. Officials believe that Mandal represents one of the last remaining pillars of Maoist influence in the Kolhan region, and his arrest could mark a decisive blow to insurgent activities in eastern India.
Asim Mandal has long been a key figure in Maoist operations across Kolhan and adjoining parts of West Bengal, where he has maintained influence and orchestrated activities for several years. Security agencies now consider Kolhan to be the final bastion of Maoist presence in the region. With intelligence inputs suggesting that Mandal is operating with only a small group of seven to eight cadres, authorities have significantly escalated efforts to track and apprehend him.
A large-scale joint operation has been launched by Jharkhand Police and West Bengal Police along their shared border. On 6th August , senior officials including the Deputy Inspector General of Purulia Range, Abhishek Kumar, and Purulia Superintendent of Police Kumar Sunny Raj reached the border areas to supervise the ongoing operations and boost troop morale.
Search operations were carried out across multiple locations including Dwarshini, Asanpani, Budhijhor, and Lukapani. Teams from West Bengal Police conducted extensive combing operations in these areas, while Jharkhand Police, along with elite COBRA battalions, carried out parallel operations in forested zones and hilly terrains on their side of the border.
Intelligence sources indicate that Maoist cadres have split into small groups and are hiding in the rugged hills between Dalma and Ghatshila. The group is reportedly avoiding fixed camps and frequently changing locations to evade security forces. This tactic has made the search operation more complex, but officials remain confident of closing in on the group soon.
Senior officials have made it clear that there will be no tolerance for any resurgence of Maoist activities in West Bengal. DIG Abhishek Kumar stated that all possible escape routes have been sealed and the security forces have established a tight perimeter around the operational zones.
During a visit to Asanpani, the last village on the Bengal side bordering Jharkhand, the DIG and SP personally reviewed the search operations being carried out along the state highway connecting Galudih and Bandwan. Accompanied by other senior officers, including DSPs and local police station heads, they reiterated their firm stance against Maoist activities.
Officials warned that the remaining cadres should surrender immediately or face strict action. They emphasized that Asim Mandal, being a native of Bengal, would not be allowed to re-establish any foothold in the state. The coordinated operation is being conducted with a clear objective of completely dismantling the residual Maoist network in the region.
It may be notes that in Seraikela-Kharsawan district arrested three hardcore Maoists carrying rewards on their heads. The arrests were made during a joint operation involving district police, COBRA units, CRPF, and SSB. According to Superintendent of Police Manoj Swargiyari, the operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs indicating that Maoist operatives were planning a major attack in the Kandra and Chandil regions.
The accused were apprehended before they could execute their plans. Sagar Singh was first arrested from a village in the Kandra police station area. Based on his interrogation, security forces conducted further raids and apprehended Madan Mahato and Meena Pahariya near Kandarbheda in the Chandil region.
Following the arrests, the security forces launched an intensive search operation in the Dalma hills based on information provided by the accused. This operation led to the recovery of a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives that had been hidden in the forested terrain.
Among the items recovered were an AK-47 rifle, magazines, a police-looted INSAS rifle, a 9mm pistol, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, explosive wires, communication equipment including a Motorola walkie-talkie, and a Pulsar motorcycle. Additional items such as torches, belts, and logistical materials were also seized.
Officials confirmed that the recovered weapons were intended for use in a planned large-scale attack, which has now been successfully thwarted.
During interrogation, the arrested Maoists made several crucial disclosures regarding their involvement in past incidents. They confessed to their role in the killing of five policemen at the Kukru weekly market in Tiruldih on June 14, 2019. In that incident, Maoists had looted weapons from the slain security personnel, some of which were recovered during the recent operation.
Police officials stated that these revelations have provided valuable insights into the operational strategies and networks of the Maoist organization. The information is expected to aid in further operations and help dismantle the remaining structure of the insurgent group.
Investigations revealed that the Maoist group was earlier active in the Saranda region but was forced to relocate due to intensified pressure from security forces. Continuous combing operations and surveillance in Saranda made it difficult for the group to sustain operations there.
As a result, the group shifted to the Dalma region, where they attempted to reorganize and plan fresh attacks. However, the swift response and coordinated efforts of the security forces disrupted their plans and led to the recent arrests.
Security officials have expressed confidence that the Maoist organization in the region is now in its final stage , or final phase. With only a handful of cadres remaining active and senior leaders like Asim Mandal under constant surveillance, the authorities believe that the end of organized Maoist resistance in the region is imminent.
The ongoing operations have been intensified with improved inter-state coordination, intelligence sharing, and deployment of specialized units. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to making the region completely Naxal-free in the near future.
At the same time, security forces have urged remaining Maoist cadres to surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society. They have warned that those who continue to engage in violence will face strict and decisive action.
As the crackdown continues, the capture of Asim Mandal remains the top priority, with officials confident that sustained efforts will soon lead to a breakthrough and bring an end to one of the last strongholds of Maoist insurgency in eastern India.
