One More Maoist Killed In Encounter In Kandhamal

Sources said SOG and DVF personnel, during a combing operation inside Malikpada forest near Sudrukumpa village under Khajuripada tehsil in Kandhamal district on Monday, had an encounter with the Left-wing ultras, who fired indiscriminately at them. One of the ultras was killed in the retaliatory firing by security personnel.

An AK-47 rifle was found with the dead ultra whose identity is yet to be ascertained, Kandhamal SP Pratik Singh said.

The SP said the deceased was an active member of Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) Divisional Committee of the outlawed CPI-Maoist. Search operation has been intensified in the area following the incident, he added.

On Sunday, four Maoists, including two women cadres, were killed in police encounter at Golanki village in Kandhamal district late in the afternoon. Of the four dead ultras, one has been identified as Shankar Majhi alias Badal, an active member of the KKBN Divisional Committee, who was carrying a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh on his head.

Prior to the encounter in Kandhamal, two cadre Maoists were killed in Dudukomal forest in Balangir district late on Saturday. Police said these two Maoists—Sanjib and Rakesh— were the active members of Boudh-Bolangir Mahasamud (BBM) Divisional Committee carrying a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 4 lakh respectively.