Maoist squad leader killed in Bengal

A Maoist squad leader was killed on Sunday in an exchange of fire with joint security forces in Jamtal jungle in West Midnapore district, police said.

Yudhistir Mahato alias Aryun was killed when security forces purportedly opened retaliatory fire after Maoists attacked them during a combing operation in the area.

Police said the joint forces had raided the area on a tip-off that Mahato was holding a meeting in the jungle. Other rebels present there managed to escape.

Mahato, hailing from Barikul area of Bankura district, was a member of Madan Mahato squad and had recently been given the organisational charge of Belpahari area, police said.

The CRPF, in coordination with the state police, recovered a 9mm pistol and magazines from the hideout of Mahato.

A search operation has been launched in the area for suspected hidden Maoists in the area, a senior CRPF officer said.