Two Soldiers Killed in Encounter with Naxal Commander in Jharkhand

Security forces in Jharkhand are continuously conducting search operations against Naxals to achieve the goal of a Naxal-free state. Palamu Police received a tip-off regarding Shashikant Ganjhu, a commander of the Third Conference Presentation Committee (TSPC), who carried a bounty of 10 lakh rupees. Acting on the information, the police launched a search operation in the Manatu police station area of Palamu district late on Tuesday. The police team reached Ganjhu’s house in Kadel village, where he was celebrating the Karma festival. A fierce encounter ensued between the police and the Naxals when the police cordoned off his house. Three police personnel were shot, resulting in the death of two. One injured jawan is undergoing treatment at Mediniray Medical College and Hospital. The deceased policemen, Sunil Ram and Santan Mehta, were from Palamu district. Rohit Kumar, also from the district police force, was injured in the encounter. Following the encounter and the martyrdom of the two policemen, a comprehensive search operation is underway, with the entire area being cordoned off. This incident follows an earlier encounter on April 21, 2025, in Bokaro district, where security forces eliminated eight Naxals, including a one-crore-rupee bounty commander.