Ranchi, Feb. 28: Security forces today engaged a PLFI squad in an intense gun battle at Bansjore in Simdega district while Khunti police nabbed three dreaded criminals following a fierce exchange of fires in Arki area of the district last evening.
Security personnel launched a combing operation inside a forest in Bansjore area around 10am following a tip-off on the movement of a group of PLFI rebels.
"The encounter continued for a couple of hours. But our boys are still combing deep inside the forest. So far we have recovered five motorcycles, a rifle, some cartridges and items of daily use. Detailed reports are awaited," Simdega SP Rajeev Ranjan Singh told The Telegraph over phone.
No casualty or injury has been reported.
In Khunti, the police arrested three persons following a gunfight with a group of hardened criminals in Arki area late last evening.
A carbine, a gun, four 9mm pistols and cartridges were recovered from Mahadeo Pahan, Ashok Nayak and Ravi Nayak.
"Mahadeo has criminal antecedents. The gang has been using sophisticated weapons, generally found on rebels. We are trying to find out if they have any link with any rebel outfit, like CPI(Maoist) or PLFI, operating in the area," Khunti SP Anish Gupta said.
Surrender
Maoist sub-zonal commander Munnu Yadav, alias Mutur Yadav, and area commander Sanjay Paswan, alias Chhotu, surrendered with their arms to STF inspector-general Pravin Kumar Singh at the police line in Chatra today.
Both natives of Pratapur area in Chatra, Yadav was carrying a 9mm pistol and Paswan came with a rifle.
Police sources said Yadav figured as named accused in at least eight cases of Maoist violence in Chatra district and carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh on his head. Similarly, Paswan, carrying a Rs 2 lakh reward on his head, was wanted in four cases.
"They will be given due benefits as per the state's surrender policy," Chatra SP Anjani Kumar Jha said.
Bandh call
The Maoists have called a 24-hour bandh on March 1 to protest the killing of their zonal commander Sanjay Yadav, alias Mantriji, alias Atinji, during an encounter with the police in Palkot area of Gumla district on February 3.
A native of neighbouring Simdega district, Yadav carried Rs 10 lakh reward on his head.
The bandh is likely to hit normal life in rural areas of Gumla, Simdega, Lohardaga, Ranchi, Latehar, Palamau and Garhwa districts, where police have already stepped up vigil and intensified combing operations.
