JJMP chief, aide killed in Jharkhand encounter

Latehar

In a major breakthrough for security forces, two notorious Maoists, including Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) chief Pappu Lohra, were killed in an encounter in Latehar district of Jharkhand on Saturday, May 24. Lohra was carrying a bounty of ₹10 lakh, while his associate, sub-zonal commander Prabhat Ghanju, carried a reward of ₹5 lakh.

The operation was initiated based on intelligence inputs about Maoist movement in the area, said IG (Operations) Amol V. Homkar. Acting on the alert, Latehar SP Kumar Gaurav led a team of state police into a jungle area, where they came under fire from JJMP members. Security forces retaliated effectively, resulting in the deaths of the two high-profile Maoists.

Following the gun battle, police recovered the bodies of Lohra and Ghanju, one injured cadre, an INSAS rifle, and other materials from the encounter site. The injured Maoist was arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment. One jawan was also injured in the exchange and has been shifted to Ranchi for medical care. IG Homkar confirmed that the entire operation was carried out under the supervision of Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta. Search operations in the region are ongoing to locate other members of the Maoist group. The encounter marks a significant success in the state’s anti-Naxal drive.