47-Hour Gunbattle in Jharkhand: 13 Naxals Killed in ‘Operation Meghaburu’; ₹4.5 Crore Bounty Neutralized

Ranchi/Chaibasa, Jharkhand: Security forces achieved a major breakthrough against Naxals in the dense Saranda forests on the Jharkhand-Odisha border under ‘Operation Meghaburu.’ A fierce 47-hour encounter resulted in the deaths of 13 hardcore Naxals, with a total bounty of ₹4.49 crore on them. Among those killed were top commander Rapa Munda and a female Naxal, Muvati Honhanga. The operation also led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.

Rapa Munda and Muvati Honhanga Among the Dead
Zonal commander Rapa Munda, with a bounty of ₹35 lakh, was killed in the operation. He was the prime accused in a deadly IED blast in April 2025, which claimed the life of a Jharkhand Jaguar jawan. Additionally, female Naxal Muvati Honhanga, with a ₹2 lakh bounty, was also neutralized. Security officials consider this a significant strategic victory against the Naxal network.

Intense 47-Hour Encounter
The operation, spanning the rugged terrain of Kumdih and Bahada forests in West Singhbhum district, was so intense that six tractors and more than eight magistrates (BDO/CO) were deployed to retrieve the bodies. Continuous firing forced rescue teams to retreat multiple times. Local villages, including Kumdih and Sedal Naka, were under strict restrictions, and movement of civilians was halted.

Fugitives on Radar
According to police sources, over 20 Naxals were present during the encounter. Two high-profile fugitives, Misir Besra (₹1 crore bounty) and central committee member Aseem Mandal, are believed to have been part of the group. Some senior Naxals managed to escape, but security forces are now focused on tracking these top-tier fugitives.

Villages Under High Security
The nearby villages remain tense due to the ongoing operation. About 20 families were confined to their homes during the crossfire. The area has been sealed, and CRPF and Jharkhand Police personnel have been deployed at multiple points to prevent any escape of the remaining Naxals.

Third Major Blow to Naxals in 10 Months
This is the third major action against Naxals in Jharkhand within the past 10 months. Following operations in Luguburu hills (April 2025) and Hazaribagh (September 2025), the Saranda encounter in January 2026 has dealt a significant blow to Naxal morale. Over the past year, three top-bounty Naxals have been eliminated, marking a major success for Indian security forces.