Gaya, Aug 21 (UNI) At least six people, including four Special Auxiliary Police (SAP) personnel, were killed and as many injured in a fierce encounter with the Maoist guerrillas near Raniganj Bazar area in this south Bihar district today.

Police said the encounter, continued for nearly half and hour, started as the heavily armed extremists attacked a jeep carrying the SAP jawans, when it reached near a secluded spot killing four jawans instantly and injuring as many others.

Overcoming the initial shock when other members of the mobile force retaliated, one of the Maoist guerillas and a passer-by were killed.

However, before fleeing the insurgents also looted five rifles and several rounds of ammunition from the deceased jawans.

Soon a huge contingent of armed police led by the district Superintendent of police arrived on the spot and cordoned off the entire area to trace the guerillas.But none could be arrested so far.

The injured had been rushed to nearest hospital where the condition of some was stated to be critical.

High tension prevailed in the area after one of the most violent encounters with the underground outfit in the state in recent memory, as all shops and other business establishments downed their shutters and fled the area immediately after the incident.

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