Ranchi, Nov 23 (IANS): A Maoist commander was killed in a gun battle with security forces in Jharkhand's Simdega district on Friday, police said.
According to police, the gun battle between the security forces and the Maoists took place at Jhapala hill in Simdega district.
The slain Maoist -- Vijay Dang, belonging to the People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI), was carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh on his head.
Dang was terrorizing the area after the arrest of PLFI zonal commander Barud Gope. He was involved in several incidents including the killing of a Bharatiya Janata Party legislator.
There were seven Maoists involved in the shootout. Dang was one of the most wanted Maoist commanders after PLFI head Dinesh Gope, Superintendent of Police of Simdega district Sanjiv Kumar told reporters.
Dang's killing is a big success for the state police. The PLFI is the second biggest Maoist organisation operating in Jharkhand.