Kishenji's killing triggers security alert in Odisha

Security forces were put on high alert in Odisha for possible Maoist activities after one of the top guerrillas, Kishenji, was killed in neighbouring West Bengal a day ago, police said on Friday.

Security forces were put on high alert in Odisha for possible Maoist activities after one of the top guerrillas, Kishenji, was killed in neighbouring West Bengal a day ago, police said on Friday.

"The rebels may try to get across the border for a safe haven," a police official said.

"We have asked police and security forces, especially in the district of Mayurbhanj, to remain watchful," he added. Mayurbhanj is close to the West Bengal border.

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Fifty-five-year-old Mallojula Koteshwar Rao alias Kishenji, the number three in Communist Party of India (CPI-Maoist) ranks, was killed Thursday by security forces during a gun battle in Burishol forest in West Bengal's West Midnapore district, police said.

Alerts have been sounded in Maoist-hit areas across Odisha as the CPI-Maoist cadres may retaliate to avenge the killing, the official said.

Maoists are active in over half of Odisha's 30 districts.