The encounter between the CRPF forces and the Maoists broke out in Jamaro forest of Toramba area in Kuchai.

A gunbattle began at about 7am when a joint team of the 209th battalion of the CoBRA (commando battalion for resolute action) and Jharkhand Police was out for operation.

CoBRA commando Utpal Rabha was killed on the spot. ASI Banua Oraon succumbed to his injuries on the way to Ranchi after sustaining bullet injuries.

The encounter took place at Jumaro hills under Porahat area on the tri-junction of Khunti, Saraikela and Ranchi districts.

The police said the firing was so intense that they remained cornered for over three hours in the jungles.