Operation Megaburu in Saranda Forests, Jharkhand | 27 Jan 2026

Why in News? 

The Jharkhand Police has launched Operation Megaburu in the Saranda forests of West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. 

Key Points 

• Operation: Operation Megaburu is the joint counter-insurgency effort centred in the dense Saranda in Jharkhand. 
  • Operation initiated by Jharkhand Police, assisted by CRPF & CoBRA units. 
  • Maoist Leader Targeted: Patiram Manjhi aka Anal Da, bounty of Rs 2.35 crore. 
• Strategic importance of Saranda: Saranda forest was long considered one of the last major strongholds of Maoists in Jharkhand, making this operation strategically critical.  
• Nature: Anti-Maoist counter-insurgency operation. 
• Aim: Elimination of CPI (Maoist) armed cadres from Saranda forest region. 
  • To neutralise top Maoist leadership and break insurgent networks. 
• Significance: The operation was a major blow to Maoist “Red Terror” and a turning point for internal security in Jharkhand.  
  • Such operations will enable delivery of developmental projects in Maoist‑dominated areas.