Fierce encounter between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum

Jamshedpur, Sep 7: A fierce encounter broke out between Maoist ultras and the security forces during a search operation on Wednesday in Rengra village under Tonton police station in West Singhbhum district.

The encounter started at 6 am and lasted for about an hour. Bullets were fired from both sides. The police overpowered the Naxalites, after which the Naxalites fled from the spot. During the search, six tents were found in the spot in which Maoists pamphlets, bags and other items were recovered.

SP Ashutosh Shekhar said that a continuous campaign is being run by the Chaibasa police against the ultras. In the past too, two Naxalites were killed in the encounter as part of the campaign. Acting on a tip off that Ajay Mahto, a member of Naxalite Misir Besra squad, is present with his squad carrying a reward of 25 lakhs in Rengrahatu village. After getting the information, the search operation was started. Meanwhile, the encounter started at six in the morning. Although no one died in this encounter, Ajay Mahto escaped with his squad. Around 25 Naxalites were present on the spot.

During the operation, the security forces have recovered tents, uniforms, utensils and items of daily use.

Based on the inputs, the CoBRA and CRPF personnel along with the district police conducted a search operation in the area. As soon as the security forces stepped into Rengra during the search operation then the ambush Maoists started firing bullets at the security forces.

According to information, a large number of police and paramilitary personnel drawn from the CRPF and the Jharkhand Armed police are involved in the operation. Sources informed that a sudden rise in the Maoists activities have let the forces intensify the patrolling in the dense forests of Saranda.