Cop killed in encounter with Maoists in Jharkhand

One policeman was killed and two others were injured during an encounter with the Maoists in the jungles of Saranda in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district on Saturday, a senior police officer said.

"During an operation, a gun battle started between our forces and the Maoists. A constable was killed and two other policemen were injured. The Maoists have also suffered casualties," IGP (Operation) R K Malik said. He said the encounter was on.

Earler, Naxals triggered a number of improvised explosive devices blasts during the fierce encounter with security forces in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district this afternoon.

"The troops surrounded the Naxals after gathering specific intelligence about their presence since the wee hours today. The encounter in the Saranda jungles of the district is still on," Central Reserve Police Force spokesperson Ajay Chaturvedi said.

A large number of police and paramilitary personnel drawn from the CRPF, its specialised anti-naxal unit SAF, Jharkhand police's special counter-naxal force Jaguar and the Jharkhand armed police have surrounded the area which is on the border of Jharkhand, Orrisa and West Bengal.

The Naxals triggered a number of IED blasts, sources said, adding heavy exchange of fire was continuing when reports last came in.