(Image source from: 12 Suspected Maoists Gunned Down in Jharkhand)

An encounter has taken place in Palamau district in Jharkhand, where 12 suspected Maoists were gunned down in the early hours of Tuesday. During the alleged encounter both the sides have responded with weapons, where 12 members of CPI (Maoist) were gunned down and no loss reported to the police personnel.

According to the SP, Mayur Patel, the encounter took place in Bakoria village, when the police party was combing for the anti-social elements in the district after learning about the presence of Maoists, both the parties met and fired on each other.

The officials of police have confirmed the retaliation action killed 12 rebels, when the armed Maoists moving in one vehicle got down and started firing, while one more team of Maoists fled from the scene in another vehicle.

According to the Additional DGP (Operation) SN Pradhan, the rebel group was the dasta (firing squad) of CPI (Maoist) 'zonal commander' RK alias doctor.

Last major encounter took place was on April 20, 2014. In that incident, eight persons, including six policemen were killed by the Maoists.

-Kannamsai