The police and para-miliary forces on Wednesday had a fierce encounter with armed squad of CPI-Maoists from a village on the border of Tamar and Seraikela-Kharsawan district. The encounter took place at Joheragora jungle under Tamar police station area bordering Seraikela-Kharsawan district.
Seraikela-Kharsawan superintendent of police, Indrajeet Mahatha said that as the Tamar police station was far away from the spot of encounter, a company of paramilitary CRPF was rushed from Chowka in Seraikela-Kharsawan district for the reinforcement.
"We cannot reveal much details but the encounter lasted for over half-an-hour. As the forces retaliated the Maoist rebels fled the scene, leaving a laptop and explosive materials which they were carrying along. We have also recovered a magazine of AK 47 assault rifle from the spot from where the rebels were attacking at the para-military forces," said Mahatha.
The SP, Seraikela said that the maoist squad which encountered with the police and paramilitary forces were of Kris Munda and Analjee who are active in Tamar, Ichagarh, Chowka and Kuchai area.
"We have recovered laptop. We will scan it to divulge further details. We expect lot of information will be gathered from the laptop when it will be opened," Mahatha said.
The SP, when queried, pointed out that there was no casualty from the police or paramilitary side, adding that they are not aware whether there was any casualty on the rebels' side.
"The combing operation had begun here from wee hours of the day. The para-military forces were combing the area in jungle while carrying out the operation. As the forces were busing in combing operation, they were suddenly sprayed with bullets, leading them to run for the cover. Soon after, the paramilitary forces had retaliated by returning the fire," said a police official.
The administration has increased police patrolling on the bordering areas connecting to West Bengal and has also deployed adequate number of paramilitary personnel on areas potential to rebels attack.
"Every effort will be made to maintain law and order and to ensure security of the people. This time all security forces have also been alerted to remain vigilant, particularly against IEDs and landmines," said another official.
Sources informed that the mobility of the police has prevented the extremists from carrying out any violent activity in past few days in the entire Kolhan.
All the police stations in the three districts of the division including East and West Singhbhum and Seraikela Kharswan have been asked to beef up the security and keep a vigil at the bordering areas.