CRPF DG honours personnel for anti-Maoist encounters

Medininagar (Jharkhand): CRPF Director General Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar today honoured officers and jawans of the force involved in encounters that resulted in elimination of six Maoists in Jharkhand last month, a release by the para-military force said.

Bhatnagar handed over cash awards to 25 jawans and officers of the Central Reserve Police Force who had taken part in the encounters on February 8 and 26. The DG also assured them all assistance to wipe out the naxals.

Self-styled Maoist sub-zonal commander Rakesh Bhuiya and five others were killed and two women cadres of the outfit were arrested following the two encounters, the release said. Later, Bhatnagar held meeting with senior officials of CRPF and Jharkhand Police to chalk out the strategy to crush the naxal activities. Bhatnagar also extended Holi greetings to the personnel.