Maoist killed in encounter with security forces

A Maoist was killed in an encounter with security forces at Bhitar Pandra village in Latehar district today, a senior police officer said.
The encounter between the Maoists and the security personnel comprising of Jharkhand Jaguar, CRPF and District Armed police took place between 3 to 6 pm and then again between 6.30 to 7.15 pm, said Superintendent of Police, Prasant Anand.
Anand said a Maoist identified as Birbal Oraon was killed while some others have received bullet injuries in the cross firing.
However, the Maoists managed to escape, he said.
The SP the encounter took place with Maoist squads headed by Oraon and Chandan Singh, a Sub-zonal Commander of the outfit.

"We had information that the squads have been active in the Garu area for past several days and an anti-naxal operation was launched to apprehend them," he said adding that the Maoists have started firing at the approaching security personnel, forcing them to retaliate.