Two Maoists, including a high-ranking leader carrying a significant bounty, were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's Latehar district on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The operation, which took place in the Ichwar forest area, is a major success for authorities in their ongoing efforts to combat Maoist insurgency in the region.

The deceased Maoists have been identified as Pappu Lohra, the supremo of the Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), a Maoist splinter group, and his associate, Prabhat Ganjhu. Lohra had a bounty of ₹10 lakh on his head. Some reports indicate Prabhat Lohra as the second casualty, while others identify him as Prabhat Ganjhu.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of Maoists in the area, a joint team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Jharkhand Police, led by Latehar Superintendent of Police (SP) Kumar Gaurav, launched a search operation early Saturday morning. As the security personnel approached, the Maoists opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange.

Palamu DIG YS Ramesh confirmed that the bodies of the two Maoists had been recovered. Security forces also seized a cache of arms and ammunition from the encounter site, including an AK-47 rifle and an INSAS rifle. One police jawan, Awadh Singh, was reported injured but is out of danger. One other Maoist was reportedly injured and arrested.

Police believe that the Maoist group had gathered in the forest to plan a major attack in the region. Lohra had a long history of involvement in violent incidents. In September 2021, his squad clashed with security forces in the Salaiya forest of Latehar, resulting in the death of BSF Deputy Commandant Rajesh Kumar and one Maoist.

The killing of Lohra and his associate is a significant blow to the JJMP and Maoist activities in Jharkhand. Security forces are continuing search operations in the area.