CRPF havaldar killed, two jawans injured in encounter

Chatra/Ranchi, Oct 18 (UNI) A CRPF havaldar was killed and two jawans were seriously injured in an encounter with CPI (Maoist) ultras near Bourasharif village under Pratap Pur police station today.

IG (Provision) S N Pradhan, talking to UNI in Ranchi, confirmed the news, adding that additional forces were rushed to the site of the incident.

Reports from Latehar said security forces from both Hunterganj police station and Pratap Pur police station were on long range patrolling this evening during which the ultras opened indiscriminate fire on them.

In the ensuing gun battle that lasted for nearly two hours, the CRPF havaldar was killed and two other jawans of the para military force were seriously injured.

Yesterday, inter-gang rivalry between CPI (Maoist) ultras and TPC came to the fore as a Maoist cadre was killed during an encounter between two rival groups near Narayanpur village under Pratap Pur police station in the district.

Police today said the Maoist ultras and Tritiya Prastuti Committee cadres were engaged in an encounter late last night that left one ultra dead.

The rivalry between the two sides was to assert their respective strength in the area, police said.

The body has been sent for post mortem and search operation was being carried out.

UNI TEAM PRS DPM DB1951