Bhubaneswar, June 30 (UNI) Two hardcore Maoists were killed in an encounter with Kandhamal District Police during an anti-Maoist operation today.
A rifle, a revolver, live ammunition, and Maoist literature were recovered from the encounter site.
The slain Maoists have been identified as Manku, an ACM cadre, and Chandan, a member of a Maoist group active in the Kandhamal district. A large-scale search operation is currently underway
in the area.
According to police sources, the Kandhamal district police had received intelligence inputs about Maoists hiding near the Puranjiab Reserved Forest under the Baliguda police station limits.
Acting on the directions of Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harish B.C., a District Voluntary Force (DVF) team launched a combing operation in the area.
Around 12 noon, an exchange of fire broke out between the DVF personnel and the Maoists, resulting in the deaths of Manku and Chandan.
Police have recovered the bodies and intensified the combing operation in and around the forest
area to flush out any remaining rebels.
Director General of Police Y. B. Khurania congratulated Kandhamal SP Harish B.C. and the DVF team for the successful anti-Maoist operation.
UNI DP BM