A senior Maoist leader from Bihar was killed in a gunfight with security forces during a joint operation in Begusarai district. The Maoist, identified as Dayanand Malakar alias Chhotu, was shot dead in an encounter involving the Special Task Force (STF) and the district police.
Dayanand Malakar was the secretary of the CPI (Maoist)'s North Bihar Central Zonal Committee and carried a reward of ₹50,000. Police said he was facing more than 15 criminal cases, including charges of murder and violations under the Arms Act.
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Encounter during joint STF-Police operation
According to the police, Dayanand was hiding in the Teghara area of Begusarai along with two associates. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Special Task Force launched an operation in the area.
Police said that Dayanand and his associates opened fire upon noticing the security personnel, prompting the police to retaliate. During the exchange of fire, Dayanand was critically injured. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His two associates were arrested at the spot. According to national media reports, around 20 rounds were fired during the encounter.
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Dayanand Malakar's criminal history
Police sources said Dayanand Malakar was also known by the aliases Daman, Kulbir, and Akash. A resident of Nonpur village, he was arrested in 2020 but later released on bail. After his release, he allegedly resumed Maoist activities.
