Jharkhand: 10 Maoists killed in major offensive, claim police

Ranchi: Security personnel have returned to base after a 48-hour long operation against Maoists in Jharkhand. The offensive that involved nearly 2,000 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Jharkhand police destroyed at least eight major Maoists hideouts.

One CRPF commando died while 10 Maoists were reportedly killed, though no bodies have so far been found.

Police say some top Maoist leaders were most likely present, going by the recovery of essential items like:

• 300 kg of rice and fish
• 3 solar panels, 2 generators for lighting
• 20 claymore mines
• 90 kg of liquid explosives
• Nearly 300 kg of ammonium nitrate
• 2 printer cartridges and a cyclostyle machine
  

"It is a big success, we chased more than 300 Naxals, some were killed. But can't give exact numbers and weapons recovered," said Rajeev Rai, Cobra commander.

With more security forces now available, the fight against Naxals in Jharkhand is now gaining pace.

Mop up operations are still on in the dense jungles of Borhat and security forces are reportedly chasing small groups of Maoists fleeing the area.