In West Bengal, top Maoists leader Koteswar Rao alias Kisanji was killed in an encounter with security forces at Purisole forest in Jamboni of West Midnapore district.

The Additional Superintendent of Police of the district Mr. Alok Rajoria told AIR Kolkata correspondent Arijit Chakraborty that the body of the top Maoists leader was recovered from a place near the forest yesterday afternoon and body has been identified. Police recovered one AK-47 rifle from beside his body.

The Security forces along with Cobra jawan launched a massive operation in the jungle mahal following tip of the presence of Kisanji and his another associate hard core Maoists leader Suchitra Mehato in Kushbani forest.

AIR Kolkata correspondent adds that the security forces have again started the operation this morning to nab Suchitra Mehato, who managed to flee from the area. Body of Kisanji has been brought to the Jhargram hospital. Securityhave been beefed up throughout the State after the death of Kisanji.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi yesterday, Home Secretary R K Singh described Kisanji's killing as a huge set back for the Naxals as he was number three in the hierarchy of the CPI (Maoists). Mr. Singh said, the West Bengal and Central forces were following Kisanji for quite some time after getting information about him and the encounter was the result of that effort.

The Home Secretary said, joint operations against the Maoists will continue in West Bengal and other Naxal-affected states.