A Naxalite leader wanted in more than 15 criminal cases was killed in an encounter with security forces in Bihar's Begusarai district on Wednesday.
According to the police, Dayanand Malakar, the secretary of the North-Bihar Central Zonal Committee of the outlawed CPI-Maoist, had a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head.
"Malakar, alias Chotu, a Naxal wanted by the police in more than 14 criminal cases, died following an encounter with a joint team of the STF and district police in the Teghra area of Begusarai on Wednesday evening," the Special Task Force (STF) of Bihar Police said in a statement.
They said the security personnel, acting on a tip-off, reached the spot where Malakar was hiding along with his associates.
"Upon noticing the police, Malakar tried to escape and fired at the officers. The security personnel retaliated in self-defense. Malakar was injured in the encounter, and two of his accomplices were arrested," the statement said.
Malakar was rushed to the nearest government hospital, where he was declared dead.
A 5.56mm INSAS rifle, a country-made pistol, 25 live cartridges, and 15 spent cartridges were recovered from the scene.
Police said the ultra leader was involved in several Naxalite operations in north Bihar.
