CM pays tributes to Jharkhand Jaguar Deputy Commandant Rajesh Kumar

CM Hemant Soren and senior state officials paid homage to Rajesh Kumar, the Jharkhand Jaguar Dy Commandant who made the supreme sacrifice by laying down his life in an encounter with left wing extremists.

Ranchi: The Chief Minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren today paid homage to Rajesh Kumar, the late Deputy Commandant of Jharkhand Jaguar, who made the supreme sacrifice during an anti-naxal operation.

The Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the mortal remains of Jaguar Deputy Commandant Rajesh Kumar. He reached Jaguar Headquarters at Sukurhutu in Ranchi today and paid his last respects to the departed Deputy Commandant.

The Chief Minister also consoled the family members.

Those who were present on the occasion included the MP Sanjay Seth, State Chief Secretary Mr. Sukhdev Singh, DGP Mr. Neeraj Sinha, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Rajiv Arun Ekka, Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Vinay Kumar Choubey and other officials.

After paying homage, the Chief Minister met the wife and son of martyr Commandant Rajesh Kumar and other relatives and consoled them.

The Chief Minister had attended a review meeting on Left-Wing extremism only a day back in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

In the meeting the Chief Minister had said that naxal activities have declined in the state and the naxals are active only in very few pockets of a few districts.

However, the Maoist extremists carried out a strike in the state soon after.

An encounter took place from Jharkhand Jaguar and Maoists in the forest of Salaiya village under Sadar police station of Latehar district. Sadar police station is only about 10 kms away from Latehar district headquarters.

Rajesh Kumar, who was on deputation in Jharkhand Jaguar and originally belonged to BSF, laid down his life during the encounter with the Maoists.

He was airlifted and taken to Ranchi for treatment. However, he succumbed to injuries.

One Maoist was also killed in the encounter.

According to Sanjay Anand Latekar, Additional DG (Operation) of the state, there was information of about 15 extremists involved in the encounter and they were being led by their chief Pappu Lohar, who has a cash reward of Rs. 10 lakh on his head.