JPC sub-zonal commander killed, four cadres arrested

Hazaribagh, Nov 6 (UNI) A sub-zonal commander of the banned Jharkhand Prastuti Committee (JPC) was killed and four other cadres of the outfit were arrested in the district, police said today.

Security forces killed self-styled zonal commander Vikash Shah and recovered a huge cache of ammunition following an encounter at Phuphandi jungle under Ichak police station in the district late last night.

The police conducted random raids at sensitive places throughout the district and arrested four others of the group from the house of one Samim at the district quarters here today.

Acting on a tip-off that about eleven JPC cadres were holding a meeting near the jungle, police from adjacent Giridih and Koderma led by Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar and assisted by CRPF jawans ghearoed the area at about 2200 hrs.

As the forces reached the spot, the ultras opened fire and in the ensuing encounter between both sides Vikash Shah was gunned down.

Mr Kumar said a DBBL gun, a carbine, a 9 mm pistol, live cartridges, fatigues and naxalite litraure were recovered from the scene.

Search was on to nab the rest of the group.

UNI XC-PRS KK RLT1940