Chaibasa, Apr 29 (PTI) A Maoist was killed during intermittent exchange of fire between security forces and Naxals in Kolhan forest region of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on Wednesday, police said.
SP Amit Renu said that during search operation, the forces found the body of Israel Purty alias Amrit, a member of the Sagen Angaria unit of the CPI (Maoist).
“The killed rebel had a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head,” Renu said.
Renu told PTI that the gunfight broke out during search operations conducted by a joint team of district police and the CRPF against Maoists in the forested area along the border of Goilkera and Tonto police station limits.
“Firing is taking place intermittently near Boroi, which falls on the border of Goilkera and Tonto police station areas. At the moment, it is difficult to ascertain which group of Maoists is involved in the encounter,” he said.
According to police sources, following the elimination of several top Maoist leaders in the region in encounters earlier this year, only Misir Besra – a politburo member of CPI (Maoist) carrying a reward of Rs 1 crore – remains active in the area along with his group.
“We will continue our intensive operation against the ultras till they are flushed out from the region,” the SP said.
A rifle has also been recovered near the spot where the body was found, the sources said. PTI ANB MNB RBT
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.