Four Maoists, including a woman were killed in an encounter with police in Chaibasa, in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, on Monday.
Chaibasa SP Ashutosh Shekhar confirmed the encounter, stating that the operation is still ongoing as security personnel continue to search the area.
Among the killed Maoists were Zonal Commander Singrai alias Manoj, who had a bounty of Rs 10 lakh; Sub Zonal Commander Kande Honhaga alias Dirshum, with a Rs 5 lakh bounty; and Area Commander Surya alias Munda Devgam, with a Rs 2 lakh bounty. The female Maoist killed has been identified as Junga Purti alias Marla.
The encounter occurred when security forces and police teams, acting on intelligence about Maoist gatherings in the Guwa forest, came under fire from the militants. The forces retaliated, leading to an hour-long gunfight that resulted in the deaths of the four Maoists.
Additionally, reports suggest two Maoists were arrested, some were injured, and several weapons, as well as other items, were recovered from the site.
No casualties were reported among the security forces.
The area where the encounter took place is part of the 'tri-junction' region, encompassing the forested borders of Chaibasa, Seraikela, and Khunti districts, which is known for heavy Maoist activity.
In the past two years, Maoists have executed more than two dozen landmine blasts in this region, causing the deaths of over a dozen people and security personnel. These operations are often led by notorious commanders Misir Besra and Patiram Manjhi.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 32 Tamil fishermen, five boats seized
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Lankan waters.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ISRO's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a day for science
Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation, saying it has hit the century in space. Last month, the country witnessed the ISRO's 100th rocket launch.
Mizoram student stabbed to death in Kerala, batchmate arrested
A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The deceased, Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nagaroor.
Italy PM slams Left's double standards, says when Trump, Meloni, Modi talk, they are called threat to democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused left-wing politicians of being "nervous" over former US President Donald Trump's victory, claiming that conservatives are unfairly labelled as a "threat to democracy" while leftist leaders are celebrated for similar global alliances.
NDRF intensifies rescue operation to save 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Sunday intensified rescue efforts to save eight persons trapped in an under-construction tunnel after a portion of its roof collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on February 22.
Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after 'humiliating' hostage handovers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.
PM Modi on 3-day visit to MP, Bihar, Assam from today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from February 23 to 25 to participate in several developmental projects and inaugurate business summits.
US senators call out China for 'weaponising' UN 1971 resolution, vow support to Taiwan
The United States Senators accused China of subverting United Nations Resolution 2758 in an attempt to isolate Taiwan. The senators proposed a resolution in the Senate reaffirming US support for Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's attempt to prevent Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations.