Ranchi

Three Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district on Monday morning. Among them was Sahdev Soren, a top Maoist leader carrying a reward of ₹1 crore on his head.

Police sources said the encounter took place around 6 a.m. in the Pantitri forest, under the Gohar police station area.

Sahdev Soren, regarded as one of the most dangerous Maoist leaders for both the state and central governments, was killed along with two other Maoists during the gunfight. An official said, “The bodies of Sahdev Soren and the two other Maoists were recovered during the search operation.”

According to sources, security forces launched a massive search operation in the area, combing all possible hideouts of the Maoists. The aim of the operation was to ensure local security and completely dismantle Maoist activities.

Security forces said this encounter has dealt a major blow to the Maoist network and weakened their tactical capabilities. The search operation is still underway, and officials stated that strict vigilance is being maintained in the area to nab the remaining Maoist groups.

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Given the Maoists’ activities in Hazaribagh district, the local administration and security forces are continuing close monitoring to prevent such incidents in the future.