One dead, 4 CRPF men killed in Naxal clash

Acting on a tip-off about the existence of a Maoist camp at Dekai forest, securitymen of the joint force launched an operation in the area when the ultras fired at them, Superintendent of Police Sunil Chowdhury said.

Five security personnel were injured in the exchange of fire, of whom one died soon after, he said. The injured were being taken to Kolkata. Chowdhury said there was a report of a landmine explosion, but he could not confirm it now.

The body of the slain securityman was being taken to hospital. Police sources said some Maoists were also injured in the gunbattle but no body was found. A search operation was on. Chief secretary Samar Ghosh said in Kolkata the operation by joint forces would continue at Jangalmahal, including Ayodhya hills, in Purulia district. The four injured were brought in a helicopter here and admitted to hospital for treatment.

He confirmed that a landmine blast took place simultaneously during the gunbattle between joint forces and the Maoist ultras.