Nuagaon/Kuanramunda: A PLFI zonal commander was gunned down in a police encounter at Jhapla forest under Kalebira police limits in Jharkhand, 65 kilometres away from Nuagaon block of Sundargarh district late Thursday night.
The slain PLFI commander was identified as Bijay Danga.
According to reports, a team of police officials led by Simdega district Superintendent of Police, Sanjib were patrolling Jhapla jungle when an exchange of fire took place between them and at least seven PLFI members. While, Bijay was shot dead in the encounter, his associates managed to escape from the spot.
Bijay was an accused in many cases pending with several police stations in Jharkhand. He was also involved in assassinating Manoj Nagoria, a local BJP leader of Lachadagarh during a procession on the eve of Eid last year by firing gunshots at him.
The deceased BJP leader had contested as an MLA candidate from Kalebira constituency and lost the polls, reports said.
A few months ago, Hira Badai, cattle trader was killed by Bijay near Ambapani under Raebaga police station, said Biramitrapur SDPO.
The dreaded PLFI commander, Bijay was carrying a bounty of Rs 5 lakh on his head, reports added.
PNN