Ranchi, Feb 6 (IANS) Jharkhand police Saturday destroyed a Maoist training camp in West Singhbhum district and seized explosives and weapons from there.

According to police, para-military forces and the state police patrolling in the jungle areas at Nawagaon area of the district, which is around 170 km from Ranchi, spotted movement of around 20 to 30 Maoist rebels.

A fierce gun battle ensued between them and lasted for nearly two hours.

While the ultras managed to escape, security forces destroyed their training camp.

According to police sources, four rifles and more than 30 kg explosives were recovered from the camp.

The gun battle took place at a time when the Maoist rebels have called a 72 hours Jharkhand strike to protest the proposed offensive against Maoists.