Two Naxalites, lodged in the Chaibasa jail in West Singhbhum district, were killed and 3 other Naxalites injured in police firing when they attempted to escape during a headcount of prisoners on Tuesday while 15 others managed to flee.
The 15 inmates, including 7 Naxalites, escaped after overpowering the escort police team and prison guards, DIG (Kolhan) Md Nehal said.
The West Singhbhum district administration has sounded a high alert in and around the districts on Tuesday as borders with the adjoining states and districts were sealed, the DIG said.
The incident took place when the headcount of the 45 inmates was in progress at the main entrance of the jail soon after they were brought back to the prison following production in a local court late in the afternoon.
The prisoners overpowered the escort team at the main gate of the jail in their escape bid, but a jail sentry on duty suddenly opened fire, killing two on the spot and injuring three others.
The injured have been admitted to a hospital in Chaibasa, Nehal said.
