Palamu: Two police personnel were martyred and one was critically injured in an encounter with Naxalites late Wednesday night in the Palamu district of Jharkhand. The injured personnel has been admitted to Medininagar Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for treatment. The martyred personnel have been identified as Sunil Ram and Santan Kumar Mehta.
Police stated that the encounter occurred when the team was conducting a search operation against the TSPC Naxalite organization. The incident took place in Kedal village of Palamu district, which is known as a safe haven for Naxalites.
Kedal Village: A Stronghold of TSPC Naxalites
According to media reports, as soon as the police team reached Kedal village, Naxalites launched a sudden ambush. Three policemen were injured in the firing. All the injured personnel were immediately brought to MMCH, where two personnel were declared dead.
Injured constable Rohit Kumar is undergoing treatment at MMCH. Martyred constable Santan Kumar Mehta was a resident of Sowa Barewa village in Haidernagar police station area, and Sunil Ram was a resident of Parta village in the same Haidernagar police station area. Injured Rohit Kumar is a resident of Lalgarh police station area.
Naxalites Attacked from Hiding
Kedal village is considered a major bhold of TSPC Naxalites. According to the police, this area is the hideout of commander Shashikant Ganju, who carries a reward of Rs 10 lakh. Shashikant Ganju has been operating Naxalite activities in Palamu and Chatra districts.
Police informed that the Naxalite group fled towards the forest after the encounter. The area has been cordoned off, and the search operation is still ongoing. Officials stated that the operation to apprehend or neutralize them is being conducted with speed.
Actions by Police and Administration
Upon receiving information about the incident, Palamu SP Reeshma Ramesh and DIG Naushad Alam reached the spot. They stated that the martyrdom occurred during a search operation against TSPC Naxalites, and the injured personnel is undergoing treatment.
SP Reeshma further informed that the operation is continuing, and special teams are entering the jungle to track down the Naxalites. She appealed to the public to maintain peace and cooperate with the police action.
