THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Bokaro, July 16: A fierce encounter broke out on Wednesday morning between police forces and Naxals of CPI (Maoist) in the forested area of Birhordera under Gomia police station limits in Bokaro district.
Security forces gunned down two Maoist insurgents in the operation. The bodies of both have been recovered. However, one jawan of the CoBRA 209 battalion also lost his life in the gun battle.
One of the slain Naxal has been identified as Kunwar Manjhi, a notorious hardcore Maoist from Jharkhand who carried a reward of ₹25 lakh on his head.
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According to reports, security forces launched a search operation in the Birhordera forest following intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoists in the area.
Around 6 am, police personnel came face to face with the Maoists, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the encounter, security forces managed to eliminate two Maoists.
In the initial search, the bodies of both Maoists were recovered. One was in uniform, while the other was in civilian clothes. An AK-47 rifle was also seized from the site.
During the encounter, a jawan of the CoBRA 209 battalion sustained critical injuries. Despite efforts to evacuate him for advanced medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.
The anti-Naxal search operation in the area is still ongoing, and police are searching for other possible Maoist operatives hiding in the region.
