Fierce Encounter Between Police and Naxalites in Bokaro's Dakabeda Operation; Eight Naxalites Killed in 1800-Round Firefight, Including Rewarded Arvind Yadav.
Bokaro (Jharkhand). A fierce encounter took place between security forces and Naxalites in the Dakabeda forest of Bokaro district on Monday. The operation, lasting approximately four hours, involved an exchange of nearly 3500 rounds of fire from both sides. In the retaliatory action by security forces, eight Naxalites, including Prayag Manjhi, a Naxalite with a reward of one crore rupees on his head, were killed. The police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.
Naxalites Initiated the Firing
As security forces were conducting a search operation in the area under Operation Dakabeda, Naxalites suddenly opened fire. The Naxalites, taking cover behind large boulders, continuously fired upon the security forces. In response, security forces retaliated with AK-47s, Insas rifles, LMGs, and UBGLs, firing over 1800 rounds. A hand grenade was also used during the operation.
Prominent Naxalites Among Those Killed
Among the Naxalites killed in the encounter were Prayag Manjhi, Sahebram Manjhi, Arvind Yadav alias Avinash, Gangaram, Mahesh, Talo Di, Mahesh Manjhi, and Ranju Manjhi. Police recovered weapons and a large number of live cartridges from the scene. A loaded six-shooter was recovered from Prayag, while 120 live cartridges and two magazines were recovered from Arvind Yadav.
Identification of Fleeing Naxalites; Search Operation Underway
Approximately ten Naxalites escaped the scene during the encounter. Police have identified the fleeing Naxalites and have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against them, launching a search operation. Those who escaped include Ramkhelawan Ganjhu, Anuj Mahato, Chanchal alias Raghunath, Kunwar Manjhi, Fulchandra Manjhi, and others. There is also a suspicion that some unknown Naxalites were involved.
Naxalites Warned to Surrender
According to police officials, the Naxalites were warned to surrender before the encounter. Despite this warning, they continued firing, prompting retaliatory action from the security forces. A special team of the CRPF led the entire operation.
