₹50,000 Rewarded Naxalite Killed in Encounter in Bihar, Wanted in 16 Criminal Cases

In a major success against left-wing extremism, security forces gunned down a dreaded Naxalite during a fierce encounter in Bihar’s Begusarai district late Wednesday night. The slain militant has been identified as Dayanand Malakar alias Daman, a notorious Naxalite area commander carrying a reward of ₹50,000 on his head.

The encounter took place in the Bahiyar area of Nonpur village under the Teghra police station limits, where a joint team of the Special Task Force (STF) and Begusarai Police launched an operation based on specific intelligence inputs. Officials had received information that Malakar was hiding in the area and was allegedly planning a major subversive attack.

According to police sources, as soon as the security forces cordoned off the area, the Naxalite opened indiscriminate fire in an attempt to escape. The forces retaliated, leading to a gun battle in which around 20 rounds were exchanged. Malakar was hit by bullets and died on the spot.

Senior Superintendent of Police Manish Kumar, who is personally monitoring the operation, confirmed the incident. He stated that weapons and other incriminating materials were recovered from the encounter site. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been deployed to collect scientific evidence from the spot.

Dayanand Malakar was wanted in more than 16 serious criminal cases, including murder, armed robbery, and violations of the Arms and Explosives Acts, registered across Begusarai, Khagaria, and Muzaffarpur districts. He had earlier been arrested in 2020 but became active again in Naxalite activities after being released from jail.

Following the encounter, high alert has been sounded across the district to prevent any retaliatory action. Police officials believe that the killing of Malakar has dealt a significant blow to the local Naxalite network.

Security agencies have reiterated their resolve to continue strict action against extremists and ensure peace and safety in the region.