Suspected Maoist killed in Jharkhand's Singhbhum district

Ranchi (Jharkhand), Apr 4 (ANI): Security forces gunned down a suspected Maoist in an encounter in Jharkhand's Singhbhum district.

Police sources said heavy gunfire was exchanged between the police forces and the ultras on Saturday following which the rebels fled the spot.

During a search operation in the area, the police personnel found the body of Gorai, a suspected member of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) 'Dalma firing squad'.

Gorai's body was found near Banporia village under Patamda police station.

"He was a Maoist. We got secret information. He was killed in an encounter that took place at Rampur village of Patmada police station. There are many cases against him, said East Singhbhum district Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Narayan Rajak

"I will not be able to give details but at least 25 to 30 cases are against him," added Rajak.

Earlier on Saturday morning, suspected Maoists triggered off a landmine blast in Lalgarh ahead of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram's visit to the region.

Chidambaram is currently in Maoist-hit Lalgarh in West Midnapore district on his two-day visit to assess the ongoing joint operations against the Maoists.

Meanwhile, the Maoists backed organisation People's Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA) has called for a 24-hour shutdown in West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts to protest the Home Minister's visit.

This is the first time that Chidambaram is visiting a Maoist stronghold since the launch of "Operation Green Hunt." (ANI)