Malkangiri: In a major set-back to Red rebels in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh State bordering Odisha, police have gunned down at least two hardcore Maoists last night.
The killed Maoists have been identified as Lachu Mandavi of Malangir Local Organisation Squad (LOS) and Podiya of gumiyapal Janmilitia commander. The dead Maoists were carrying Rs 1 lakh prize on their heads each.
The encounter occurred after a joint team of Dantewada District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Kirandul Police launched a rain inside Kutrem forest following a tip-off on the presence of Maoists late last night. The Red rebel duo was killed following a fierce gun battle between the two sides.
Police also seized one 9mm pistol (country-made) and 12 bore rifle from the spot during the encounter.
“At least two bodies of Maoists have been recovered so far and search of the area is currently underway,” said SP Dantewada, Abhishek Pallava.
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Ms Kalinga