Goa, Jan. 24 -- A high-profile leader of the CPI (Maoist) was neutralised during a large-scale joint anti-Naxal operation in Jharkhand's Saranda forest, marking a major success for security forces. The slain extremist has been identified as Patiram Majhi, also known as Anal da, a senior Central Committee Member (CCM) of the banned outfit.

The operation, codenamed Meghaburu, was launched on Thursday by elite units of the 209 CoBRA battalion, Chaibasa district police, and Jharkhand Jaguar. Security officials confirmed that Anal da, who carried a reward of Rs.1 crore on his head in Jharkhand, was killed in a fierce gun battle along with 14 other Maoists.

Anal da was among the most wanted Naxalite leaders in the region and was part of the C...