One SAP jawan killed, 80 kgs of explosives recovered

Dehri-On-Sone, Sep 25 (UNI) About 80 kgs of powerful explosives, gellatin wires and detonators were recovered by police from Tardih village in Rohtas district following a fierce encounter with Maoist guerillas which claimed the life of one security personnel.

District Superintendent of Police Vikash Vaibhav said here today that acting on a tip-off, a joint team of Special Auxiliary Police (SAP) and local police conducted raids at a hideout of the ultras in Dhansa Ghati last night.

''As the police approached the hideout, the Maoists opened fire following which the security personnel had to retaliate in self-defence,'' Mr Vaibhav said, adding that the ensuing encounter lasted for over five hours.

Later, 80 kgs of explosives, including gellatin wires and detonators, were recovered during the search operation, Mr Vaibhav added.

The ultras had planted landmines on the route through which the security personnel were returning after the encounter, he said. As the police reached Dugdhasoli village, the landmines went off, injuring 11 security personnel.

After the landmines exploded, the Maoists opened fire on the security personnel near Tardih village, leading to a second encounter which lasted about three hours, Mr Vaibhav said, adding that SAP jawan Kanhaiya Singh lost his life while three others sustained injuries.

The SP said all the injured policemen had been admitted to a local hospital, adding that the drive to flush out the Maoist guerillas from the area would continue.

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