Search on in Ranchi to trace inspector's killers

Intensive combing operations have been continuing in the Naxal-hit areas of Jharkhand in the pursuit of Maoist leader Kundan Pahan, who the police suspect to have beheaded police inspector Francis Induwar.

"Kundan Pahan-led group is behind Induwar's killing. The security forces are continuing the combing operation," Inspector General of Police (Special Branch), Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan told PTI here today.

Pahan alias Vikas reportedly heads the dreaded "Platoon-39" of CPI (Maoist) that allegedly killed JD(U) MLA Ramesh Singh Munda, a DSP-ranked police officer and several others since last year.

"He is the most wanted Naxalite in the state. We will close in on him soon," Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Chotanagpur range, Raj Kumar Mallick said. Meanwhile, a report from Gumla district quoting Palkot poice station sources said, a self-styled Maoist area commander, Babluji, was arrested last night.