Jharkhand Encounter: Maoist With Rs 5 Lakh Bounty Killed; CRPF Jawan Injured
The exchange of fire between Maoists and the CRPF began around 5:30 am in the forests near Birhordera, under the jurisdiction of Gomia police station.
A Maoist, who was carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh on his head, was killed and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan critically injured during a gunfight near the Birhordera area in Jharkhand's Bokaro district on Wednesday, officials familiar with the matter said.
The exchange of fire between Maoists and the CRPF began around 5:30 am in the forests near Birhordera, under the jurisdiction of Gomia police station.
The injured commando, from the CoBRA 209 battalion, was critically injured in the ongoing anti-Maoist operation in Bokaro and was airlifted to Ranchi for medical treatment.
Bokaro Superintendent of Police Harvinder Singh confirmed that the operation is still underway but did not disclose the number of casualties.
'Yes, the operation is going on in Bokaro against the rebels, and it is still continuing," he said.
Jharkhand Police spokesperson and Inspector General Michael S Raj added, 'One jawan is critically injured. There is some information on Maoist casualties, but as the operation is underway and it is difficult to confirm the total casualties of Maoist at this stage."
The operation was launched based on intelligence inputs about the Maoist movement in the Lugu Pahar area — a region known to be a rebel stronghold.
Earlier in April, eight Maoists, including a commander carrying a Rs 1 crore reward, were killed there, according to sources familiar with the developments.
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