Maoist killed, 4 injured in encounter in West Midnapore

A Maoist was killed and four ultras injured in an encounter with security forces in Janglemahal area of the district today.

The special anti-Naxal force of the CRPF also arrested two suspected Naxalites, Ranjit Rana and Nepali, from the area.

On intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoists in the jungles of Joybadi in Janglemahal area, the 205th battalion of the Special Action Force of the CRPF conducted an operation in the area, a senior CRPF officer said.

The Maoists, believed to be hiding in the jungle for the past few days, fired at the patrolling joint forces leading to the gunbattle in which a Naxalite was killed.

The body of the Naxalite has been recovered, the officer said.

At least four Maoists suffered bullet wounds in the encounter, police said.

The exchange of fire was continuing when last reports came in.

Jangalmahal area covers parts of the districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia.