Wed Jan 22 16:19:29 UTC 2025: ## Two Maoists Killed, One Arrested in Jharkhand Encounter
**Bokaro, Jharkhand:** A gunfight between security forces and Maoists in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district resulted in the deaths of two Maoists, including a woman, and the arrest of a high-value target, police reported Wednesday.
The encounter, which occurred early Wednesday morning in a forest area near Penk Narayanpur Police Station, involved a joint operation of the Cobra battalion, CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguar, and district police. The operation followed a tip-off about the presence of Maoist regional committee member Ranvijay Mahato, who carries a Rs 15 lakh bounty. Mahato was arrested Tuesday evening.
Killed in the ensuing gunfight were area commander Shanti Devi and Manoj Tudu. A significant cache of arms and ammunition, including an AK-47 and two INSAS rifles, was recovered.
Jharkhand Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta announced the success of the operation, stating that the state is close to eliminating the Maoist threat. He claimed that Maoist activity is now confined to only two or three districts, down from a much larger number previously, and expressed confidence that the menace would be ended by March of this year.
First Piper 