The security forces on Tuesday gunned down one CPI(Maoist) rebel while several others were injured during an encounter in the jungles of Gumla early in the morning on Tuesday. One INSAS rifle along with live cartridges has been recovered by the police from the spot.
According to the police, a joint team of CRPF and state police, after getting a tip-off about the movement of some rebels in the area, intercepted a horde of about 25-30 Maoists near Itcha villager under Ghaghra police station resulting into an encounter during which one of them was gunned down while several others were injured in the gun battle.
The rebel who got killed has been identified as area commander Bhubaneshwar Manjhi. The police have recovered one regular INSAS rifle along with 85 live cartridges, five mobile phones and cash of Rs 4,900. Apprehending that the injured rebels might be hiding in the nearby jungles, intense search operation has been launched in the area by the security forces.