Jharkhand Police Engage in Gunfight with Naxals, Two Policemen Die

As part of ongoing efforts to rid Jharkhand of Naxal influence, police forces are actively pursuing insurgents. Palamu Police, acting on intelligence about TSPC commander Shashikant Ganjhu, who had a 10 lakh rupee bounty, initiated a search operation in the Manatu police station area of Palamu district. The search led the police to Kadel village, where Ganjhu resided and was celebrating the Karma festival. A confrontation erupted when the police surrounded his house. During the exchange of fire, three police personnel were wounded, with two succumbing to their injuries. The injured officer is receiving medical care at Mediniray Medical College and Hospital. The two fallen officers, identified as Sunil Ram and Santan Mehta, were residents of Palamu district. Rohit Kumar, also from the district police, was injured in the clash. After the encounter, a thorough search operation was launched, and the area was secured. This encounter is a continuation of the efforts that led to the elimination of a one-crore-rupee bounty Naxal commander and seven others in Bokaro district on April 21, 2025.