Jharkhand Police Launch Massive Manhunt for Notorious Maoist Commander Thegan Mian

Security forces in Jharkhand and Bihar have intensified a massive joint operation to trace and arrest Thegan Mian, a dreaded commander of the banned extremist outfit CPI (Maoist), who is believed to be hiding along the Jharkhand–Bihar border.

Armed with automatic weapons, Thegan Mian is considered one of the most dangerous active Maoists in the region. A native of Ghanghari village under Mohammadganj police station in Palamu district, he is among the last three top Maoist operatives still active in the border belt.

According to police records, Thegan Mian operates as a commander in the squad of notorious Maoist Nitish Yadav, who carries a reward of ₹15 lakh. Both are accused of executing several violent attacks targeting security forces and government property.

Active Since 2018, Linked to Multiple Attacks

Palamu Superintendent of Police Reeshma Ramesan stated that Thegan Mian joined the Maoist organisation after 2018. His name first surfaced following an arson attack on Mahudand Road in Chhatarpur police station area, after which he emerged as a key operational member of the insurgent group.

He has since been involved in more than half a dozen Maoist incidents in Palamu district, including encounters with police forces. In 2025, he was also involved in a major gun battle in which area commander Tulsi Bhuiyan was killed, further confirming his active role in armed insurgency.

Proposal to Announce Reward Under Process

Police officials confirmed that preparations are underway to declare a monetary reward on Thegan Mian, which is expected to significantly aid intelligence gathering and facilitate his arrest.

“Continuous appeals are being made for Maoists to surrender. Simultaneously, strong operations are underway against those who refuse to abandon violence,” SP Reeshma Ramesan said.

Joint Jharkhand–Bihar Operation Underway

Given the sensitive border terrain and dense forest cover, special joint teams of Jharkhand and Bihar police are conducting coordinated search operations. Security agencies believe that Thegan Mian frequently changes locations to evade arrest.

Police officials described him as highly trained in guerrilla warfare, capable of executing ambushes and sudden attacks using automatic firearms, making him a serious threat to internal security.

Maoist Network Weakening

Authorities noted that since Thegan Mian became active, Maoist activities had increased in Palamu and nearby districts. However, sustained counter-insurgency operations over the past few years have severely weakened the Maoist network, forcing remaining cadres to operate in hiding.

In a related development, Chaibasa police recently arrested two Maoist operatives, while the search continues for Shambhu Yadav, a technical expert of the banned organisation who has been absconding since 2018.

Intelligence inputs suggest growing panic among Maoist ranks, with several members reportedly attempting to flee forest areas after collecting funds.

Security forces remain confident that Thegan Mian and his associates will be arrested soon, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the Maoist-affected regions.