Police and Naxals clash in Latehar, Naxals flee after gunfight

On Monday night, a gunfight occurred between police and Naxal militants in the forests of Sikit-Bandua, situated in the Manika police station area of Latehar district. The clash followed a tip-off received by the Latehar Superintendent of Police (SP) Kumar Gaurav regarding the presence of armed Naxals in the region, reportedly planning a violent act. Based on this information, a police team was deployed to the area, which is located along the border between Manika and Herhanj police stations.

As the police team approached the suspected location, the Naxals opened fire, leading to an immediate exchange of gunfire. The police responded with retaliatory fire, but the Naxals, seeing themselves at a disadvantage, fled into the dense forest under the cover of darkness. No casualties were reported on either side during the exchange. The police have not yet confirmed any injuries to the militants or the police personnel involved.

Following the gunfight, a search operation was launched in the surrounding forest area to locate the fleeing militants and recover any weapons or materials they may have left behind. Preliminary reports suggest the recovery of some firearms, though these reports are yet to be officially verified. SP Kumar Gaurav confirmed that the operation is ongoing and that the area has been sealed off to prevent any further movement of the militants.

The police are continuing their efforts to secure the region, and additional raids are being conducted in surrounding areas. The operation is part of the broader effort to combat Naxalism in Jharkhand, where security forces routinely conduct searches to curb the insurgency. Authorities have stated that the search and security operations will continue until the area is cleared and the militants are apprehended.