Overview

• Security forces acting on a tip-off about planned extortion launched a cordon-and-search operation in Changabadi Upartoli under Kamdara police limits late Tuesday night.
• PLFI area commander Martin Kerketta opened fire at around 9:30 pm and was killed in the ensuing gunfight, Gumla SP Haris Bin Zaman told reporters.
• A pistol was recovered from Kerketta’s possession and police said two other Maoist operatives sustained injuries during the exchange of fire.
• Kerketta had assumed leadership of the banned splinter group after former chief Dinesh Gope’s arrest, carried a ₹15 lakh bounty, and was wanted in more than 70 cases of violent and extremist activities.
• Authorities have expanded combing operations for remaining PLFI cadres under Operation Sankalp as part of the government’s drive to dismantle Maoist networks by March 2026.