Chatra, Jharkand, July 20 (IBNS): Security forces have gunned down a top Maoist leader late Thursday night in Jharkhand's Chatra district, police said on Friday.
Ajay Ganju, alias Parasji, was reportedly shot dead during a joint operation by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Jharkhand Police.
Ganju, who was carrying a bounty of Rs. seven lakh on his head, was the regional commander of the CPI (Maoist).
According to reports, he was facing charges of being involved in the killing of two police officers.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Anup Birtheray said a 9 mm pistol and two hand grenades were recovered from Ganju.
In a separate incident, a gun battle took place between CRPF jawans and the Maoists in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on Friday.
Acting on a tip-off, jawans of CRPF 192 battalion raided Kaneri forest in the district.
The rebels started firing at the security personnel when they spotted them in the forest. The forces also open fired at them in retaliation.