India/Insurgency: Maoist commander and trooper among seven killed in encounter in Midnapore

Media reported that one trooper and six suspected Maoists, including a rebel commander, were gunned down by security forces in an encounter in Bengal's West Midnapore district, late on Sunday.

Reportedly, the clash began after soldiers raided a rebel base in the Goaltore area in the West Midnapore district.

District Police Chief Manoj Verma confirmed that the local rebel commander killed in the fighting was identified as Sidhu Soren, who was wanted on charges of murder, kidnapping and arson.