In an exchange of fire between the combined teams of CoBRA, Jharkhand Jaguar, and Palamu Police with the TSPC squad led by Shashikant, with a Rs 10 lakh reward,one Naxal was killed.

His body has been recovered along with an INSAS rifle. “It is most probably that of Mukhdev Yadav, but final confirmation will only be made once his family identifies the body”, said Palamau SP Reeshma Ramesan.

The exchange of fire took place this Sunday morning, Ramesan added.

The identity of the Naxalite is yet to be officially confirmed, though the police said he was “most probably” Mukhdev Yadav, a commander of the banned Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC), carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh.

An INSAS rifle was also recovered from the spot.

The gun battle began around 7 am and involved over 200 personnel from the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), Jharkhand Jaguar, and Palamu police units.