Ranchi, Sep 4 (PTI): In a tragic encounter in Jharkhand's Palamu district, two security personnel lost their lives and another was injured during a gunfight with the banned Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC), a splinter faction of the CPI (Maoist), on Thursday, police reported.
The confrontation between the security forces and the members of the TSPC occurred around 12.30 am in Kedal village, located in the Manatu police station jurisdiction, according to a senior police officer.
"Two of our security personnel were martyred, and one was injured in the clash. The injured individual was rushed to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital for treatment," stated Palamu DIG Naushad Alam to PTI.
The fallen heroes have been identified as Santan Mehta and Sunil Ram.
As of now, details of casualties on the side of the Naxals have not been confirmed, Alam noted.
Acting on tip-offs regarding the presence of the TSPC commander Shashikant Ganjhu and his team in Kedal village, an operation was initiated, explained Palamu Superintendent of Police (SP) Reeshma Ramesan.
"When the security forces arrived at the village, the TSPC members noticed them and initiated gunfire. In the retaliatory gunfight, three security personnel sustained bullet wounds," she said.
"They were immediately transported to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital, where the doctors declared two of them dead, and the injured officer is currently receiving medical treatment," she added.
The Naxals managed to flee the scene, prompting a search operation to be launched, according to another police official.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren conveyed his condolences for the loss of the two policemen.
"The martyrdom of police personnel Santan Mehta Ji and Sunil Ram Ji during a special operation in the Kedla jungle under Manatu area of Palamu is deeply distressing. May Marang Buru offer peace to the souls of our brave martyrs and provide strength to their grieving families in this hour of sorrow," Soren expressed on X.
He assured that the injured policeman was receiving all necessary medical attention.
"I hope for a swift recovery for the injured officer," the CM added.
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