In a notable advancement for anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand, security forces successfully eliminated Martin Kerketta, the self-proclaimed leader of the outlawed People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI), during a vigorous encounter in Gumla district late Tuesday night.
Kerketta, identified as one of the most wanted Maoist leaders in the region, had been placed under a reward of ₹15 lakh for his capture and was linked to over 70 cases associated with violence, extortion, and insurgency. His notoriety extended across multiple districts, including Gumla, Khunti, Simdega, Lohardaga, and Ranchi, making him a prime target for state intelligence agencies over several years.
According to statements from Gumla Superintendent of Police Haris Bin Zama, police received actionable intelligence indicating that Kerketta and his armed group had infiltrated Changabari Upartoli, falling under the jurisdiction of the Kamdara police station, with a suspected intention of extorting money from a local trader. Reacting swiftly to the information, a joint team was assembled, comprising the district’s anti-Naxal Quick Response Team (QRT) alongside personnel from neighboring police stations to conduct a cordon-and-search operation.
As forces approached, Kerketta and his men reportedly opened fire, leading to a fierce gun battle in which Kerketta was ultimately killed. The security personnel also recovered various weapons and ammunition from the scene. Operations in the area are still ongoing as authorities aim to locate and apprehend other members of the faction.
Martin Kerketta hailed from Redma village in Kamdara and was closely linked with former PLFI chief Dinesh Gop. Following Gop’s arrest in Nepal two years prior, Kerketta ascended to a leadership role within the organization and had gained a reputation for successfully evading capture in multiple encounters with law enforcement.
“This is a major blow to PLFI’s operations in Jharkhand,” commented SP Zama. “The elimination of Martin Kerketta marks a crucial success in our sustained crackdown on extremist networks,” he added, highlighting the significance of this operation in the ongoing efforts to combat Maoist insurgency in the state.
