Ranchi, Jan. 22 -- Security forces on Thursday eliminated CPI (Maoist) central committee member and top leader Anal Da, carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore, in a fierce encounter in the Saranda forests of West Singhbhum district.
Reports indicate that at least 14 other Maoists were also killed in the operation.
Confirming the development, IG (Operations) Michael Raj said Anal Da, also known as Patiram Manjhi, was neutralised during a prolonged gunfight between Maoist cadres and joint security forces. The encounter took place near Kumbhdiha village under the Chotanagra police station area.
According to Jharkhand Police headquarters, the exchange of fire began around 6 am on January 22 after specific intelligence inputs suggested that a Maoist...