Ranchi: Security forces in Jharkhand achieved a breakthrough after gunning down three top Maoists, including Sahdev Soren, a central committee member of the CPI (Maoist) carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore.
The encounter took place in the Panthitri forest under Gorhar police station limits in Hazaribagh district, bordering Bokaro and Giridih.
Along with Soren, two other extremists, Raghunath Hembram, carrying a reward of Rs 25 lakh, and Birsen Ganjhu, wanted with a bounty of Rs 10 lakh, were also killed.
Hazaribagh Superintendent of Police confirmed the operation, stating that a joint team of CRPF's CoBRA battalion, Giridih police, and Hazaribagh police launched the offensive based on intelligence inputs about the Maoist squad's presence.
The forces cordoned off the area, leading to a fierce gunbattle that lasted for hours. After the encounter, security personnel recovered three bodies and seized a cache of arms, including AK-47 rifles.
Police sources said, "Several other Maoists sustained injuries and managed to escape during the exchange of fire. A massive search operation is continuing in the region to track down the remaining cadres."
Sahdev Soren had long been a key figure in Maoist operations and was wanted in connection with several major incidents of violence across Jharkhand.
