A wanted Maoist leader, Dayanand Malakar, carrying a bounty of Rs 50,000, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Bihar's Begusarai district. Police stated Malakar, secretary of the CPI-Maoist's north-Bihar Central Zonal Committee, fired upon a joint STF and district police team after being cornered. Security forces retaliated in self-defense, resulting in his death. Two associates were arrested, and weapons were recovered. Malakar was reportedly involved in numerous criminal cases, including murder and extortion.