Simdega/Jamshedpur, July 2: A CPI(Maoist) rebel was killed in an encounter with Simdega police in Jokbahar forest area, 10km from the district headquarters, today while in another gun battle at Jilingdungri jungle in Ghatshila subdivision of East Singhbhum, around 20 Naxalites were forced to retreat after 150 rounds of firing.

Simdega SP Rajeev Ranjan Singh said that a 9mm pistol was recovered from former area commander Turia Oraon who was active in the area after coming out on bail last year. Police intercepted him and three of his associates when they were going to receive an arms' consignment.

A police officer, who was part of the operation, said when they challenged the Maoists, the latter opened fire. In the retaliatory fire, Oraon was killed while his associates managed to flee.

In the East Singhbhum encounter, around 20 Maoists and a joint team of security forces exchanged fire for over an hour after which 15 detonators, 13 empty cartridges, two can bombs, a flash gun, an axe, a binocular, a walkie-talkie with a charger, two radios, 15 bags, an umbrella, nine plastic tents, five set of uniforms, utensils, medicines, food and water among other things were recovered.

Rural SP, East Singhbhum, Mohammed Arshi said the recovery showed that there was a camp at that place.

According to police sources, a joint combing operation was being carried out by CRPF and district police in the forests near Jian village, home of Naxalite leader Kanhu Munda, in Ghurabandha area of the subdivision since Monday. "Suddenly, a group of around 20 Maoists, owing allegiance to Kanhu Munda faction, started firing from a hilltop around 11am. The security forces then retaliated, which continued for over an hour. Police fired more than 100 rounds while the Maoists shot 50," said East Singhbhum SSP Anoop T. Mathew, confirming the encounter in the evening.

He added the Maoists were forced to retreat. "No casualty or injury has been reported," said the SSP.

According to district police sources, the security forces had started the offensive against Maoists following a tip-off from a rescued youth who had disclosed their plans to launch an attack at the CRPF's Mosaboni camp in Ghatshila last Saturday. "The encounter is a result of the aggressive long-range patrolling and area dominance exercise by the security forces. The firing by the Maoists was more of a sign of frustration rather than any attack as they retreated after the police firing," said an officer.