Overview
- Security forces in Hazaribagh killed four Maoists in the Khapia/Batuka forest area on Friday after an intelligence tip, in what PTI identified as Operation KotiNeer.
- Those killed included regional commander Sahdeo Mahto, who had a ₹15 lakh bounty, along with Natasha, Budhan Karmali, and Ranjeet Ganjhu, according to police and CRPF sources.
- Troops recovered two AK‑series rifles, a Colt AR‑15, and an INSAS rifle from the site, and police said no personnel were injured in the gunfight.
- Police officials said the elimination of the last active squad in the area could allow Hazaribagh to be taken off Maoist‑affected rolls, with follow‑up combing underway to confirm control.
- In a separate push in Saranda, a Thursday IED blast injured CoBRA jawan Abhinay Kumar, who was airlifted to Ranchi, as forces cordoned about 10 km while saying top leader Misir Besra may be trapped.