Bhubaneswar: In a major success in the battle against left wing extremism (LWE), two Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces inside a forest in Odisha’s Kandhamal district on Monday.
The deceased have been identified as Manku, an ACM cadre of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), and Chandan, a member of the outfit. Both were active in the district.
Police said the encounter occurred around noon when the District Voluntary Force (DVF) launched a special operation after receiving intelligence inputs.
Police recovered one rifle, a revolver, live ammunition, a walkie-talkie, batteries, and other Maoist materials from the site of the encounter.
Sources said a gunfight ensued between DVF personnel and the Maoists around noon. Both Manku and Chandan were killed during the encounter, while some other ultras sere suspected to have fled. Their bodies have been recovered, while security forces have intensified combing operation in the area.
In the aftermath of the encounter, a search operation is currently underway to track down any remaining insurgents.
Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania has commended Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harish B.C. and the DVF team for the successful mission.
