Maoist gunned down by security forces in Jharkhand

Ranchi, February 3: A Maoist was killed in an encounter with security forces at Bhitar Pandra village in Latehar district on Thursday.

The encounter between the Maoists and the security personnel comprising of Jharkhand Jaguar, CRPF and District Armed police took place between 3 to 6 pm and then again between 6.30 to 7.15 pm, said Superintendent of Police, Prasant Anand.

The Maoist killed in the encounter was identified as Birbal Oraon on whom a reward of Rs 2 Lakh was kept. Other Maoists were injured in the cross-firing but they managed to escape.

“We had information that the squads have been active in the Garu area for past several days and an anti-naxal operation was launched to apprehend them,” Anand said. He also added that the Maoists have started firing at the approaching security personnel, forcing them to retaliate.