PLFI zonal commander Vijay Dang has been killed following an encounter with police in Jhapla forest area of Simdega district on Thursday night. Police have recovered a country made pistol, cartridges, PLFI pamphlets and other articles near the encounter site.
Simdega SP Sanjeev Kumar informed on Friday that acting on a tip off regarding Dang’s movement a police team led by ASP (Operation) was rushed to Jhapla forest under the Kolebira police station to intercept the PLFI leader. He added the PLFI commander was killed during the fierce encounter between the police and the extremist that took place in the Jhapla forest.
The SP, who also joined the operation later on, said Dang’s body was recovered during a search operation in the area which is heavily forested and has uneven topography.
Dang was wanted in at least 20 extremist- related incidents in Simdega district. He was involved in killing of a CRPF jawan in 2016. He was also main accused in the murder of BJP leader Manoj Nagesia in October 2017.
The deceased PLFI commander was involved in creating terror and demanding levy from companies engaged in development works as well. The government had announced a reward of two lakhs rupees for his arrest but the police had sent a proposal to revise the amount to five lakhs.
Police of Simdega and Sundergarh, located in neighbouring Odisha, have heaved a sigh of relief following the success.
“A large part of Simdega district where Dang operated would almost become extremist-free. The Sundergarh SP also contacted me and expressed relief at the elimination of the PLFI leader,” Kumar said.