Two Maoists killed in turf war

Two Maoists were killed in a gun battle with rival faction Trititya Prastuti Committee (TPC) in the forest of Jharkhand's Chatra district, about 200 km from here, police said today.

Bodies of the two self-styled commanders of the outfit were recovered from the jungles of Chatra's Pratapur block this morning, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar said.

Maoist 'Sub-zonal Commander' Niraj Yadav and 'Area Commander' Baleshwar Yadav were killed by TPC cadres last night, he said.

Chatra Superintendent of Police Anup Birtheray said the two were wanted in connection with several cases like murder, abduction and extortion.

Police have launched search operation to ascertain whether there were any more casualties following the turf war between the CPI (Maoist) and its splinter group.