A jawan of the Armed Police and three Maoists were killed in a gun battle between security forces and Maoists in West Bengal's Paschim Medinipur district on Sunday — the third encounter in the region in a span of two weeks.
Jawan Mohammed Ishad, a constable in the fourth battalion of the State police's Specially Trained Armed Company, died on way to hospital. “It was a conspicuous act of gallantry. Despite being hit himself, he continued firing and was responsible for the death of one if not more Maoists,” said Director General of Police Bhupinder Singh. The police would recommend Mohammed Ishad's name for gallantry award.
The security forces received a tip-off about the presence of Maoists in Ghritakham village and immediately rushed to the spot. As they arrived, the Maoists opened fire, Superintendent of Police Manoj Verma told The Hindu .
The exchange of fire lasted for more than five hours. Besides Apart from Mohammed Ishad, three Maoists were killed, Mr. Verma said. “The forces saw the bodies of two others being taken away by them.”
The police recovered arms and ammunition from the Maoists
Asked if operations in the region were being intensified, Mr. Verma said: “We had been carrying out encounters earlier as well, but the quality of information provided to us now has improved significantly and the intelligence network strengthened.”
