High-Ranking Maoist Commander Killed in Jharkhand Encounter
Security forces in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district killed a senior Maoist commander, Amit Hasda alias Aaptan, in an encounter on Sunday morning. Hasda, a self-styled zonal commander of the CPI (Maoist), carried a reward of ₹10 lakh on his head. The gunfight took place in the Saranda forest under the Goilkera police station. An SLR rifle and explosives were recovered from the scene. The operation marks a significant success for security forces in the ongoing anti-Naxal campaign in the region.
Unpacked:
Amit Hasda, also known as Aaptan or Upton, was a senior zonal commander of the CPI (Maoist) active for about a decade in Jharkhand. He was involved in multiple attacks, brutal killings, and planning major operations against security forces, making him a key figure in the Maoist insurgency in the region.
The Communist Party of India (Maoist) is a banned militant organization that seeks to overthrow the Indian government through armed struggle. Jharkhand’s dense forests and socio-economic disparities make it a stronghold for Maoist activities, where they oppose government projects and recruit local support.
Recent intelligence indicated plans by Maoist leaders to launch attacks and recruit cadres in the Kolhan area. In the past six months, anti-insurgency operations have resulted in the deaths of 17 militants and the arrest of nearly 200, showing an increased crackdown by security forces in the region.
The death of a high-ranking commander like Hasda is considered a major blow to Maoist organizational strength and morale. It may temporarily disrupt their operations, but authorities warn that other leaders remain active and ongoing operations are needed to fully dismantle the network.