At least three members of a banned Maoist splinter group were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's Gumla district on Wednesday (September 24, 2025) morning.

The encounter between security forces, comprising the Jharkhand Jaguar and Gumla Police, and Maoists of the Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), took place in a forest area near Kechki village under Bishnupur police station limits around 8 a.m.

"Three JJMP Maoists were killed in the gunfight. Three weapons were also recovered from the site," IG (Operations) and Jharkhand Police Spokesperson Michael Raj S. told PTI.

He said a search operation is still underway.

Gumla SP Haris Bin Zaman said the Maoists have been identified as Lalu Lohra and Sujit Oraon, residents of Lohardaga district, and Chotu Oraon, who hailed from Latehar.