A Maoist leader, who was carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head, was today shot dead in an encounter with police, while another was arrested in this district.
Sylvester Minz, member of the CPI (Maoist) Zonal Area Committee, was gunned down in the encounter at a place under Chenpur Police Station, Superintendent of Police Bhimsen Tuti said.
Acting a tip-off that a group of Maoists have gathered at a village, police surrounded the area between 5 AM and 6 AM. Witnessing the approaching force, the rebels fired upon the police personnel triggering the gun battle, he said.
A 'Sub-zonal Commander' Dilbar, carrying Rs five lakh on his head, was arrested after the encounter, the SP said.
