Jharkhand Police recovers huge cache of arms from Maoists

New Delhi, Nov 10 (ANI): The Jharkhand Police has recovered huge cache of arms from the Maoists during a shootout in Latehar district of the state.

Acting on the tip off, a joint operation by the state police and the Central Reserve Police Force was launched.

According to the police official, the rebels succeeded in fleeing as they were in a crowded market place and the police could not directly attack them.

"As soon as the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) and the police team reached Barvaiya village, the Maoists opened fire. Thereafter, the police also retaliated. However, the Maoists took advantage of being in a crowded market and fled. But we have recovered huge cache of arms and ammunitions from them," said Station House Officer, Manika Police Station, Mithilesh Singh, on Saturday.

The recovery included pistols, cartridges, hand grenades and detonators.

Singh added that the police have the information that a Maoist was injured when he was shot in his leg during the encounter.

"37 rounds of cartridges, 6 hand grenades, mobile, detonators, charger, solar plate and a lot of the things were recovered. We also have the information of Maoist being shot in the leg," he said.

Recently, Maoists have been trying to strengthen their base by rounding up school children and confiscating their educational certificates and compelling them to join the group.

In the last few years, the rebels have stepped up their efforts against the government as well as the locals, after various locals complained that Maoist activities such as killings and abductions increased considerably in the area. (ANI)