A wanted Naxalite, identified as Dayanand Malakar, secretary of the CPI-Maoist's north-Bihar Central Zonal Committee, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Bihar's Begusarai district. Police reported that Malakar, who had a Rs 50,000 bounty, fired upon security personnel after being cornered. Two associates were arrested, and weapons were recovered. Malakar was wanted in over 14 criminal cases.