Two Maoists were killed and three paramilitary soldiers injured in a gun battle in Jharkhand. Paramilitary forces in Balam village in Kharsava district of Jharkhand clashed with Maoists who opened fire at them and in retaliation the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) fought back. A Maoist was also arrested post the encounter. The three injured personnel were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. Maoists have significantly increased their presence in tribal and rural regions in the states of Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha as well as certain parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
