Maoists torch vehicles in retaliation to encounter in Odisha border

Malkangiri/Sukma: A day after a Maoist died in an encounter with security forces in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, the ultras on Friday set ablaze as many as 24 vehicles engaged in the road construction near Kistaram jungle in the district bordering Malkangiri district of Odisha.

According to reports, a group of armed Maoists, led by Naxal leader Hidima, reached the spot and asked workers to leave the place. The rebels then torched several vehicles including 18 tractors, 3 Hyva cranes, a road roller and other vehicles.

A Maoist, identified as Madvi Bandi, a member of the Konta Local Guerrilla Squad, was killed yesterday during a joint operation by police special task force, District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) in the interiors of Sukma district.

The Security personnel also recovered a .12 bore gun, one rifle, several live cartridges and some other materials from the possession of Bandi.