Overview

• Police identified the fallen personnel as Santan Kumar Mehta and Sunil Ram, while injured jawan Rohit Kumar underwent surgery in Daltonganj.
• The gunfight began around 12:30 am in Kedal under the Manatu police station during an operation based on inputs about TSPC commander Shashikant Ganjhu and his squad.
• The engagement occurred as TSPC cadres opened fire on approaching forces during the targeted raid.
• Authorities have cordoned the area for follow-up searches, with no confirmed militant casualties recovered so far.
• Officials describe Ganjhu as a zonal leader with a Rs 10 lakh bounty who directs TSPC activity in the Palamu–Chatra belt, reflecting ongoing risks despite intensified counter-insurgency drives.