Security Forces Clash with Maoist Squad in West Singhbhum's Kolhan Forest

On the morning of 29 April 2026, a joint patrol comprising the CoBRA 209 Battalion, district police and the CRPF was ambushed near Boroi, at the Goilkera–Tonto police-station boundary in the Kolhan forest of West Singhbhum, Jharkhand. Maoist gunmen opened fire at approximately 04:30 a.m.; security personnel returned fire, resulting in an intermittent exchange that lasted through the morning. The area was subsequently cordoned and placed on high alert.

Encounter breaks out between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum forests

Security agencies intensified operations after intelligence indicated a resurgence of Maoist activity following the recent killing of a former operative. Earlier in the year, several senior Maoist leaders were neutralized, leaving only politburo member Misir Besra active in the region’s forested border zones of Saranda and Kolhan.

Encounter breaks out between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum forests

Superintendent of Police Amit Renu leads the West Singhbhum police response. Misir Besra, a CPI (Maoist) politburo member, commands the insurgent squad operating in the forest.

The Hindu

• Reward for Misir Besra: INR1 crore.

The Hindu

• Search operation duration: two days (April 27-28) covering Boroi and Toonbeda.

Encounter breaks out between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum forests

• High-alert status declared across Kolhan forest after the encounter.

Encounter breaks out between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum forests

• 27-28 Apr 2026: Security forces begin two-day intensive search in Boroi and Toonbeda.

Encounter breaks out between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum forests

• 29 Apr 2026, 04:30 a.m.: Maoist squad ambushes CoBRA 209 patrol; exchange of fire ensues.

Encounter breaks out between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum forests

• Morning onward: High alert declared; area cordoned; additional personnel deployed.

Encounter breaks out between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum forests

The clash highlights the enduring Maoist threat in Jharkhand’s forest belt despite recent leadership losses. Continued insurgent activity jeopardizes local governance, hampers development projects, and compels sustained security deployments in peripheral districts.

Encounter breaks out between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum forests

Superintendent Amit Renu told the press that the operation remains intensive and that security forces will continue to flush out the insurgents. He acknowledged difficulty in confirming the specific Maoist faction involved.

Encounter breaks out between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum forests

One source attributes the ambush to Misir Besra’s squad, while another reports that authorities cannot yet identify which Maoist group was involved, leaving the composition of the attacking unit unverified.

Encounter breaks out between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum forests

• “Firing is taking place intermittently near Boroi, which falls on the border of Goilkera and Tonto police station areas. At the moment, it is difficult to ascertain which group of Maoists is involved in the encounter,” — Amit Renu, Superintendent of Police, West Singhbhum

The Hindu

• “We will continue our intensive operation against ultras till they are flushed out from the region,” — Amit Renu, Superintendent of Police, West Singhbhum

The Hindu

Security forces have reinforced patrols, expanded the cordon and deployed extra personnel to sustain the high-alert posture. The joint team will continue search operations in the Kolhan forest to locate and neutralize remaining Maoist elements.

Encounter breaks out between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum forests