Top Maoist killed in Chhattisgarh: Police

The slain Maoist was identified as Ritesh Punem, who was the commander of the Sendra Local Organisation Squad of the Maoists

RAIPUR: A Maoist commander carrying a reward of ₹3 lakh on his head was killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Friday, a police officer said. The exchange of fire took place around 8:30 am near Kaika and Mosla villages, he added.

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“A joint team of security personnel including jawans of district reserved guard and personnel from the 222nd battalion of Central Reserve Police Force were out on anti-Naxal operation when Maoists fired and the encounter started,” said inspector general of police (Bastar range) Sundarraj P. He added that the Maoist’s body was recovered along with a gun from the scene of the gunbattle.

The officer identified the slain Maoist as Ritesh Punem, who was the commander of the Sendra Local Organisation Squad of the Maoists. He added that a jawan sustained a minor injury and his condition was stable.