Maoist killed in gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand, arms recovered

Medininagar, Sep 14 (PTI) A Maoist was killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's Palamu district on Sunday morning, police said.

The deceased was identified as Mukhdev Yadav (40) alias Toofan ji, a self-styled sub-zonal commander of the banned Maoist splinter group Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC), SP Reeshma Ramesan said.

The encounter broke out in a forest area bordering Manatu and Tarhasi in the district, IG (Operations) Michael Raj S told PTI.

The body of the red rebel, along with an INSUS rifle, a pistol and 146 live cartridges, were recovered from the spot, he said.

The Maoist, who carried a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on his head, was also allegedly involved in the murder of two security personnel in Palamu on September 4, the SP said.

Besides, Yadav was wanted in 27 cases in various police stations of Palamu and Chatra, police said.

The encounter took place during an ongoing operation in Palamu by security forces to trace another self-styled zonal commander of the TSPC, carrying a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head, they added. PTI CORR SAN BDC RBT