Jharkhand: Maoist rebel shot dead during encounter in Khunti

A Maoist rebel was shot dead during an encounter in the forest area of Khunti district in Jharkhand.

Acting on a tip off, a police team raided a hideout in forest area of Khunti district yesterday.

In the ensuing gun battle, a member of the People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI), a breakaway faction of the Communist Party of India (Maoists) was shot dead.

Superintendent of Police of Khunti district Ashwani Kumar said that about nine rebels managed to escape, leaving behind their weapons.

"During the raids, there was a pitch encounter with Prabhu Sahay and Pattu Nag teams. One PLFI (People's Liberation Front of India) rebel was shot dead during the gun battle. One carbine was recovered from him and nearly eight to nine rebels managed o escape," Kumar said.

The police have formed teams to apprehend the rebels who are on the run.