A special police officer (SPO) was shot dead by operatives of the ultra outfit People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) in Banasai under Karaikela Police Station area in adjoining West Singhbhum district, a senior police officer today said.
The victim, Shankar Pradhan, who was engaged as cook in the police station, was returning home in Bhalupani last night when around two dozen activists of the ultra group surrounded him, Additional Superintendent of Police (Chakradharpur), Alok Priyadarshi said.
Priyadarshi said Pradhan tried his best to free himself from the clutches of the ultras but was shot dead.
As the security personnel comprising of district armed police and CRPF were on a night-long search operation, Priyadarshi said the personnel immediately cordoned off the village and launched a massive search operation.
But Ashishan, who was leading the group, managed to escape, the ASP said.
Meanwhile, Pradhan was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors referred him to Tata Main Hospital here, he said adding the SPO succumbed to his injuries on the way to hospital.
