Four Maoists including a cadre carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh, were killed in an encounter with security forces along the Chatra-Hazaribag border in Jharkhand on Friday, police said.
The deceased have been identified as Shahdev Mahto, Natasha, Budhan Karmali and Buddhdev. Mahto was among the most wanted Maoist operatives active in the region.
According to police officials, the operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs about the movement of Maoist cadres in the forested belt spanning the two districts.
A joint team of Jharkhand Police and CoBRA commandos carried out the operation. An exchange of fire ensued after security forces confronted the group in the forest area.
Police said the four Maoists were killed during the encounter. No casualties among security personnel were reported.
Security forces recovered a cache of arms from the spot, including two AK-47 rifles, one INSAS rifle and one Colt AR-15 rifle.
Search operations are continuing in the area to trace any remaining cadres and recover additional materials, officials added.