Maoist linked to 2 cop killings shot in Jharkhand encounter

DALTONGANJ/NAGPUR: A 38-year-old commander of TPSC, a CPI (Maoist) splinter group, carrying a bounty of Rs 5 lakh, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jharkhand's Palamu Sunday. Mukhdev Yadav, alias Toofan, was involved in the killing of two cops in Keydaal jungle on Sept 3.

On Saturday, notorious Maoist Shankar Mahaka (32), carrying a Rs 2 lakh bounty, was arrested in Tekameta jungle in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli. Mahaka, wanted by NIA for a civilian's murder in 2023, was scouting for attacks on security outposts when he was nabbed by a joint team of C-60 commandos and local police. Explosives and propaganda material were seized.

Gadchiroli SP Neelotpal urged insurgents to "abandon violence for a new life".

In Palamu, a joint team of CoBRA Battalion, Jharkhand Jaguars' assault team and district police was combing Gorwatarn jungle when Yadav and five others opened fire, Palamu SP Reeshma Rameshan told TOI. "They were asked to surrender, but they did not comply. Security forces retaliated, killing the militant," the SP said.