Maoists kill special force jawan in West Bengal

West Midnapore (West Bengal), June 27 (ANI): At least one jawan of the Specially Trained Armed Company (STRACO) was killed and four others were injured in an encounter with the Maoists in the forests of West Bengal's West Midnapore District on Sunday morning.

According to sources, the encounter took place near Kalaboni jungle in the district.

Police also suspect that at least three- four Maoists were killed during the encounter, however, no body of dead Maoist was found in the area.

Informing about the encounter Superintendent of Police Praveen Tripathy said that following a tip-off about a Maoist team hiding in Ghrito Kham area near Kalaboni jungle the security forces surrounded the area and launched an operation.

Tripathy said the Maoists attacked the security forces when they approached near the hideout.

The slain jawan was identified as Md Isahurul Islam (27). He hailed from Manikchak in Malda District.

The operation started late on Saturday night and is still continuing when the last report came in.

Earlier, on June 16, security personnel killed eight Maoists including three women in an encounter near Salboni. (ANI)