In a fierce encounter between the security forces and Maoists ultras a transit camp was demolished and a medium intensity IED explosive and materials used for preparing landmines were recovered from Maheshpur under Gurabanda police station of East Singhbhum district.
The police claimed the rebel squad had triggered indiscriminate firing at a patrolling party of the CRPF, but as the latter retaliated, the armed naxals sneaked into the nearby jungle bringing the encounter to an end.
Though the encounter continued for about 45 minutes, no casualty was reported from the CRPF's side, but the paramilitary authority were not sure whether there was any casualty on the Maoist's side or not.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Devendra Thakur said the ultras opened fire on the joint patrol team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and district police in the hills situated on the western side of Maheshpur while they were conducting routine combing operation. The forces retaliated and the Maoists fled after 45 minutes of encounter during which around 50 rounds were fired from both sides.
"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.
later on security forces recovered, an IED bomb weighing around 1.5 kg, a nine mm pistol, 9 cartridges, 7 detonators, 150 meter of electric wire, 3 gelatin rods, 2 kg of unused raw gunpowder, camera, naxal literature and uniforms from the transit camp established by the Maoists there. The camp was also demolished.
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.