Encounter between Maoists and security personnel in Ghatsila

An encounter has taken place between the security personnel and CPI(Maoists) at Dangra Pahar under Gorabandha police station limits in the Ghatsila sub-division in the wee hours today, the police said.

Acting on a tip off, security personnel comprised of East District district Armed police force and CRPF reached the spot when the encounter ensued early morning, said Superintendent of Police (Operations), Sunil Kumar Burnwal. The police was informed about the presence of Maoist leader Kanu Munda, who was a Secretary of the Jharkhand-Bihar-Bengal Regional Committee and wanted in several Maoist-related incidents, Burnwal said adding the encounter took place near the native village of Munda.

Jharkhand government has already announced a reward on the head of Munda. However, no causality was reported as the Maoists made a hasty retreat. A massive search operation has been launched following the encounter to apprehend the ultras, he added.