Maoist-police tradae bullets in Belpahari

Belpahari, Feb 17 (UNI) A maoist and a police driver were injured in an encounter between the banned outfit and the securitymen here in the wee hours today.

Poilice raided the area acting on a secret information that a group of Maoists who are responsible for the killing of Mangal Mahato, a CPM leader of Belpahari on Friday night, were hiding in Kherialata forest in the area.

N S Nigam, District Magistrate, West Midnapore district said while the police fired 13 rounds, the Maoists fired 5 rounds.

Sukchand Murmu, driver of a police vehicle was seriously injured in the maoist firing and it is being understood that maoist activist was also seriously injured.

Following the encounter, the maoists, however, fled the scene along with the injured activist.

Superintenmdent of Police R Rajshekaharan rushed to the spot along with a big police contingent. The combing operation, which started this morning, is still continuing.

A group of Maoists attacked two local CPM leaders Fani Sing Sardar and Mangal Mahato on Friday night while they were returning from a party meeting in the neighbouring Kashakem village under Barikul PS in Bankura district. While Fani fled away, Mangal Mahato was killed down the same night.

UNI XC BA AKJ RN2111