Kishenji, a top Maoist leader and member of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) Polit Bureau, was reportedly killed in an encounter in the Burisole forest area of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, on Thursday. The police discovered a body with an AK-47 and a hearing aid nearby, leading them to suspect it was Kishenji, though identification is pending. The encounter took place after security forces, who had been conducting combing operations in the area, exchanged fire with Maoist militants. Reports also indicated that Suchitra Mahato, another Maoist leader, was injured in the incident. Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh confirmed the setback for the Maoists, stating the police were "99 percent" sure of Kishenji's death.
A tragic incident occurred on Sunday when an Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv crashed during a routine training mission in Porbandar, Gujarat. The crash, which took place at the Coast Guard Air Enclave, claimed the lives of three crew members, including the two pilots. According to officials, the helicopter experienced technical difficulties at around 12:10 pm, leading to the crash. All three crew members were initially rushed to a hospital in critical condition, but despite efforts, they succumbed to their injuries. Two were declared dead upon arrival, while the third died later. The crash, which occurred near the runway, caused a fire that was quickly contained by emergency services. The incident follows recent upgrades to the ALH fleet, which were intended to address previous safety concerns. The Indian Coast Guard is currently investigating the cause of the crash.