Chatra — A shootout between two rival groups of former Maoists in Jharkhand’s Chatra district claimed the lives of two people and left two others critically injured, police officials said.
The violence erupted on Sunday night in Gendra village under the jurisdiction of Kunda police station, plunging the area into panic. Those killed in the incident were identified as Devendra Ganjhu and Churaman Ganjhu.
According to police, both factions involved were previously associated with the banned Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC). Investigations suggest that Devendra Ganjhu, accompanied by his associates, reached the house of Shyam Bhokta around midnight, where an argument over an old enmity broke out.
The dispute quickly turned violent, with Devendra Ganjhu’s group allegedly opening fire. Shyam Bhokta and his relative Gopal Ganjhu sustained serious gunshot injuries. In the exchange of fire that followed, Devendra Ganjhu and Churaman Ganjhu were shot dead.
Police teams from multiple stations, along with personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), reached the village soon after and restored order. The bodies were taken into custody and sent for autopsy.
The injured were first treated at the Pratapgarh Community Health Centre and later shifted to Daltonganj and RIMS, Ranchi, due to their critical condition.
Officials said the incident appears to be linked to a long-running rivalry among former TPC cadres. Records show Devendra Ganjhu had dozens of criminal cases registered against him. Police have stepped up patrolling in the area, and investigations are continuing.
With inputs from IANS