Kandhamal: A top Maoist leader was shot dead by security personnel in the Kamberikia forest under Baliguda Police limits in Odisha’s Kandhamal during an exchange of fire.
A jawan of the district voluntary force (DVF) also suffered critical bullet injuries in the gunbattle that took place on Saturday and was admitted to MKCG Hospital Berhampur, police said.
The deceased belonged to Chhatisgarh.
Acting upon a tip-off, a search operation was conducted in the forest under Baliguda police limits. On seeing the security personnel, a group of Maoists present in the forest opened fire at them. A fierce gunbattle ensured as the security personnel retaliated.
According to sources, the deceased was a divisional committee member of the Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh division. His bodyguard also sustained injuries but managed to flee the scene.
