Encounter between joint forces and Maoists in West Midnapore

Joint forces today engaged in a fierce encounter with Maoists at Laksmanpur in West Midnapore district, amid suspicion that top Maoist leader Kishenji could be hiding in the vicinity.

"Personnel of the joint forces are engaged in an encounter with Maoists at Lakshmanpur since morning. The kind of fire-power used by Maoists indicate that some of their top leaders could be in the vicinity," West Bengal DGP Bhupinder Singh told reporters.

Asked specifically whether Kishenji could be present in the area, Singh replied, "may be".

He said one jawan was injured in the gunbattle.