The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has neutralised a dreaded Naxal Zonal commander Nitesh alias Mantriji during an encounter in Gumla district of Jharkhand. He was carrying a cash reward of Rs10 lakh on his head.
On the basis of own Intelligence input about presence of Maoists under the leadership of Khudi Munda near village Keorkatta in Gumla district, the CRPF along with the State police launched an operation on the intervening night of 22-23 February 22-23. “An exchange of fire ensued when the security forces were carrying out intensive combing operations near Konerbeda village in the wee hours on Tuesday. In the exchange, senior Maoist Nitesh, alias Yatin, alias Mantrijee, zonal committee member of Koel Sankh Zone and secretary of Simdega sub zone of CPI (Maoist) carrying a reward of Rs10 lakh was neutralised whose dead body was recovered from the spot,” the CRPF said in a statement here.
One factory made carbine was also recovered from sight of the encounter. The slain Maoist belonged to Purana Hindiya village under Manatu police station in Palamu district of Jharkhand. He was an active Maoist for the last decade and operated in Gumla, Simdega and adjoining regions. He was also involved in various incidents of attacks on police and killing of innocent civilians.
This is a severe setback to the Maoists in Bihar and Jharkhand where 11 Maoists have been neutralised in less than two months, including prominent leader Chirag alias Jodhan, self styled military chief of Jamui and Giridih region.