Sat May 24 05:20:30 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Security forces in Latehar district, Jharkhand, India, killed two Maoists in a gunfight, including Pappu Lohra, the leader of the Maoist splinter group Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP). Lohra had a ₹10 lakh bounty on his head. The operation was a joint effort between the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Jharkhand Police. One injured Maoist was arrested, and an INSAS rifle was recovered. The operation was launched based on a tip-off about Lohra’s presence in the forest.
**News Article:**
**Security Forces Eliminate Maoist Leader in Jharkhand Encounter**
**Latehar, Jharkhand – May 24, 2025:** In a significant blow to Maoist insurgency, security forces in Jharkhand’s Latehar district have killed Pappu Lohra, the chief of the Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), a Maoist splinter group, in an encounter on Saturday morning. Lohra, who carried a ₹10 lakh bounty on his head, was killed along with another associate during a joint anti-Maoist operation conducted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Jharkhand Police.
According to Palamu DIG Y.S. Ramesh, the operation took place in a forest area under the Latehar Police Station limits. Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Latehar Superintendent of Police (SP) Kumar Gaurav launched a search operation.
“The Maoists opened fire upon spotting the security personnel, leading to a retaliatory exchange,” said a senior police officer.
Besides Lohra, the body of another Maoist, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was also recovered. One injured member of the group has been arrested, and authorities seized an INSAS rifle from him. The successful operation marks a major victory for security forces in their ongoing efforts to combat Maoist activity in the region. Authorities continue to investigate and maintain a heightened state of alert.
First Piper 