Maoist killed in Odisha encounter, firearms recovered

The Left-wing extremist was shot dead near Panasapadar village in Malkangiri district, during a joint operation conducted by Andhra Pradesh and Odisha police.

Barely four days after seven Left-wing extremists were killed in twin encounters with security forces, another Maoist was shot dead in a joint operation conducted by the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh police in Malkangiri district on Friday morning.

Maoists exercise at a temporary base in Chhattisgarh. At least seven Left-wing extremists were killed in encounters with the police recently. (AP File)

The deceased is yet to be identified.

Malkangiri superintendent of police Jagmohan Meena said the Maoist was killed near Panasapadar village under Chitrakonda block during a joint operation by Andhra Pradesh’s elite anti-Maoist force Greyhound and Odisha’s special operation group and district voluntary force.

“The Maoists opened fire at security forces, and one of them was killed when they retaliated. Two guns, including a self-loading rifle, were recovered from the spot,” he said.

Several Maoists managed to escape despite sustaining injuries in the encounter.

Four days ago, seven Maoists – including two top cadres – were killed in operations launched on the basis of intelligence reports in Kandhamal and Bolangir districts. Union home minister Rajnath Singh complimented the police for executing the operation successfully.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced the cash reward soon after he was briefed about the operation by the two SPs of both the districts and other senior officials of the state police.

“Apart from the existing financial assistance, the additional cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for Kandhamal and Bolangir police will certainly boost the morale of security forces as well as police engaged in anti-Naxal operations in different parts of the State,” said Odisha DGP RP Sharma.