Bokaro Encounter: Top Naxalite Killed, CRPF Jawan Martyred

In a significant anti-Naxal operation in the Bokaro district, Kunwar Manjhi, a Naxalite carrying a reward of five lakh rupees, was killed in an encounter in the Kashitand forest, near Lugu mountain. A jawan from the Cobra Battalion also lost his life in the exchange of fire. The encounter began after the police received intelligence about the presence of a Naxal group operating in the area. A special operation was launched by the Central forces and Bokaro police. During the ensuing gunfight, the Naxalite, Kunwar Manjhi, was killed, and his AK-47 rifle was recovered by the police. Constable Pranaveshwar Koch, of the CRPF’s 209th Cobra unit, was martyred during the operation. The Naxalites attempted to use villagers as a shield, even killing one to divert the police. The search operation for other Naxalites is ongoing.