Jharkhand: CRPF personnel, ASI killed in Maoist encounter

The encounter between the forces and the Maoists broke out in Jamaro forest of Toramba area in Kuchai. While the CRPF personnel and the ASI were injured in the incident, the duo succumbed to their injuries while being shifted to a hospital in a chopper. Their bodies were later sent to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences on the chopper.

R K Mullik, Additional Directorate General of Police (Operations) said the CRPF personnel was identified as Utpal Raba, a resident of North Garo Hills in Meghalaya while the ASI was identified as Banwa Oraon, a resident of Khunti district who was posted at Kuchai police station.

Last year on April 9, two police personnel were killed in a Maoist encounter in Mahuadang area of Simdega district.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Police have recorded successes against the rebels in other areas. In Giridih, a joint police team destroyed four bunkers of the Maoists in Peertand area during an overnight operation. At least 1,078 cartridges, 200 metres codex wires, walkie-talkies, cooker bombs, pistols and gelatine were seized on the spot.

In Latehar district, a Maoist, who was carrying a reward of Rs five lakhs on his head, surrendered before Palamu Deputy Inspector General of Police Vipul Shukla. Birendra Ji was wanted in a total of 30 cases related to police encounters. Shukla said the Maoists are free to surrender but those refusing to do so would be either neutralised or arrested.