Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Jan 1: A dreaded Naxalite leader carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 was killed in an encounter with security forces in Bihar’s Begusarai district on Wednesday evening, police said.

The slain Maoist has been identified as Dayanand Malakar alias Chotu, secretary of the north-Bihar Central Zonal Committee of the banned CPI-Maoist outfit. Two of his associates were arrested during the operation.

According to the Special Task Force (STF) of Bihar Police, a joint team of the STF and district police launched an operation in the Teghra area after receiving specific intelligence about Malakar’s presence. On spotting the security personnel, Malakar attempted to flee and opened fire.

“The police team retaliated in self-defence, during which the Naxalite was injured. He was later taken to a government hospital, where doctors declared him dead,” an STF statement said. No security personnel were injured in the exchange of fire.

Police recovered a 5.56 mm INSAS rifle, a country-made pistol, 25 live cartridges and 15 spent cartridges from the encounter site.

Malakar was wanted in over 14 criminal cases and was allegedly involved in several Naxalite activities across north Bihar. Officials said the operation marks a significant setback for Maoist networks operating in the region.