Big Blow to Naxalites: Zonal Commander with Rs 10 Lakh Bounty Killed in Encounter

Goilkera (West Singhbhum) (The Uttam Hindu): An encounter took place between the police and Maoist Naxalites in the early hours of Sunday near Burjuwa hill in Rela village under Arahasa Panchayat of Goilkera police station area.

Chaibasa Police Captain Rakesh Ranjan had received secret information that active members of Naxalites were present in Rela-Paral area. Based on the information, a joint team of police and CRPF started a search operation. During this, Naxalites started firing on the security forces. In retaliation, firing took place from both sides.

The police have cordoned off the entire hilly area and efforts are being made to close the escape routes of the Naxalites. One Naxalite has been killed in the encounter, who has been identified as zonal commander Amit Hansda alias Upton. A reward of Rs 10 lakh was announced on him. An SLR has also been recovered from the spot.

SP Rakesh Ranjan confirmed the encounter and said that additional police force has been sent to the area. The operation was going on till the time of writing the news.