Morena, MP, Mar 14 (UNI) Notorious dacoit chieftain Jagjivan Parihar, who carried a reward of Rs 5.5 lakh on his head, was feared dead in an encounter with police at Gurar Gadhi village in this district, police said today.

Inspector General of Police (Chambal range) Vijay Yadav said acting on a tip-off, a police team had cordoned off the Parihar gang at a house early today. A fierce encounter went on till night with the bandits surrounded from all sides.

Police lobbed more than 100 tear-gas shells and hand grenades during the encounter, In the evening, the house was set on fire.

Mr Yadav said there was no chance of the dacoit surviving now.

Besides, JCB machine had been called on the site to demolish the building.

He said the house had been cordoned off at three levels. Even if a dacoit tried to escape, he would not succeed.

Searching of house was little difficlut because of darkness. A search will be carried out tomorrow morning.

Police would remain deployed at the encounter site during the night.

Town Inspector K D Sonkia and Porsa police station constable Ramavtaran Singh Tomar were injured during the encounter. Mr Sonkia and Mr Dube were being provided treatment in Gwalior and Morena respectively.

Parihar is wanted in connection with several incidents of murder, abduction and other heinous crimes in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

UNI