'Induwar's killer may be injured in encounter'

Kundan Pahan, the prime suspect behind the beheading of Inspector Francis Induwar, might be among the Maoists who were injured in an encounter near Jonha, about 35 kms from Ranchi, even as search operations continued on Monday to trace them, the police said.

"As per our information, Kundan Pahan is among the Maoists who were injured during the encounter that took place at Jonha near Angara on Sunday," Senior Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar told PTI in Ranchi.

Pahan managed to escape, he said, adding the Maoist along with his associates were trying to cross over borders when they were spotted, leading to the encounter.

One body was recovered, while the fleeing Maoists managed to take away their injured associates.

As many as four companies of paramilitary and police forces are scouring through the forests of Ranchi and Khunti districts to trace the injured or dead Maoists, Kumar said.

The police arrested three Naxalites and seized a light machine gun, two rifles, cartridges, cell phones, three vehicles, a bike and Naxal literature after the encounter, he added.