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Security forces shot down a Maoist in an encounter in Jharkhand's Lathehar District on Wednesday. According to Jharkhand Police, the body was found near Ladi village under Barwadi Police Station in the district. Police said, the encounter that started late on Tuesday night, continued till Wednesday morning. Police also recovered a loaded rifle near the dead body of the Maoist. "A group of Maoists started firing at the patrolling team. Police also retaliated. During the search operation today in the morning, body of one slain Maoist was found and along with him a loaded .303 rifle was also recovered," said Latehar District Superintendent of Police Kuldip Dwivedi. Meanwhile, a 30-year-old Jayanti Devi, who was caught in the cross fire between security forces and the Maoists, succumbed to bullet injuries. Bisram Singh, brother-in-law of the deceased woman recalled that she died on the spot during the encounter. "We were inside our house and these people (patrolling team) were outside. Suddenly we heard firing in which my sister-in-law died," Singh said. Incidentally, this encounter took place during the 48-hour shutdown call given by the Maoists in states of Jharkhand, Orissa, and West Bengal. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh underlined the importance of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in countering Naxal menace. "We should pay special attention to ensure that PRIs function effectively in remote and backward areas, which include tribal areas. This will help us in tackling the challenges such as the Maoist menace," the Prime Minister said at a conference organised to celebrate the National Panchayati Raj Day. The Prime Minister said that empowering PRIs would not only ensure the participation of marginalised sections in the governance at the grassroots level but it would also ensure accountability in the functioning of government agencies.

Maoist killed in Jharkhand encounter