A mukhia (village headman) was shot dead by suspected ultras of People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) in Khunti district while an encounter took place between the security personnel and CPI (Maoists) in Palamau district today, police said.
The CPI (Maoists) today opened fire at the security personnel, who were on anti-naxal operation in Vijaygiri hills under Naudihabazar police station of naxal-affected Palamau district, police said.
The Maoists opened indiscriminate firing from foothill on seeing the approaching security personnel, forcing them to retaliate, said Superintendent of Police, Indrajeet Mahatha adding that the encounter lasted for two hours.
Mahatha said the naxals fled the scene in view of the mounting pressure.
A massive search operation was launched following the encounter to apprehend the naxals but in vain so far, he said.
Meanwhile, according to a report received from Khunti district, a panchayat mukhia was shot dead by suspected PLFI activists last night in Narahatu village under Rania police station of the district.
Around 10 PLFI activists laced with fire-arm arrived in the village and dragged the 32-year-old John Lugun, mukhia of khatkura panchayat out of his house late last night and gunned him down, said Sub-divisional Police Officer (Torpa), Nazir Akhtar.
Superintendent of Police Ashiwini Kumar Sinha visited the village to investigate the incident.
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