PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, April 29: A Maoist was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Saranda forest of West Singhbhum district on Wednesday morning.
The gunfight took place in the dense forests of the Tonto–Goelkera area after security personnel launched an anti-insurgency operation based on specific intelligence inputs.
According to reports, personnel of the CoBRA 209 battalion neutralised the Maoist during the exchange of fire. The body was recovered from the spot along with an SLR rifle and other materials.
Identified Maoist Carried Bounty
Officials identified the slain Maoist as Ijarail Purti, who carried a bounty of Rs 1 lakh.
Security forces have intensified search operations in the area amid inputs about the presence of more Maoists. Additional reinforcements have been deployed in the forested belt.
Focus on Top Maoist Leader
A senior Maoist leader, Misir Besra, who carries a bounty of Rs 1 crore, is believed to be active in the region, prompting a large-scale combing operation.
The operation had been underway for the past two days in the forests around Rengdug, Boroi, and Tumbeda villages when Maoists opened fire on the advancing troops. Forces retaliated, leading to the killing of the insurgent.