Police, Maoist splinter group exchange fire

Police and a Maoist splinter group have exchanged gunfire for several hours in the forests of Amjora in Hazaribag district, officials said today.
Following a tip-off regarding the presence of around 30 ultras of the breakaway Jharkhand Prastuti Committee at a particular spot, Superintendent of Police Akhilesh Kumar launched a dedicated team led by him and swung into action by marching towards the forests last evening.
Upon arrival of the cops at the forest, the ultras opened fire on them, triggering a gun battle in which more than 150 rounds were fired between both the parties, Kumar said, adding that no casualties were reported from the either side.

The rebels retreated deep into the forest leaving behind 'uniforms', medicines and diaries containing names of local contractors who were to be targeted for extortion, the officer added.
Further investigations were underway.