Ranchi, Oct 4 (IANS): Two security personnel have been killed in a gun battle with the Maoists on the outskirts of Ranchi on Friday.
According to the police, security personnel belonging to the state Jaguwar force were sent to the Dakapidi jungle on the outskirts of Ranchi on Friday based on specific intelligence input.
When the forces reached the area, Maoists guerrillas opened fire on them. A gun battle ensued between the security forces and the Maoists that lasted over an hour, resulting in the death of two security personnel -- Akhilesh Ram and Khanjan Kumar Mahto.
Condemning the killings, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das said: "Maoists are counting their last breath in Jharkhand. We salute the slain security personnel. Their sacrifice will not go in vain."
Maoist violence has killed more than 700 security personnel since the creation of the state in 2000.