Maoist killed in fierce encounter

Malkangiri: A Maoist was killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in Orissa`s Malkangiri district on Sunday, police said.

Acting on a tip-off, jawans of anti-naxal Special Operation Group (SOG) and police raided a dense forest in Tentulipadar in Chitrakonda area, about 70 km from here, and they were challenged by the camping rebels, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) U S Das said.

As the security personnel retaliated, a fierce gun-battle ensued in which a ultra was killed while his associates escaped and disappeared deep into the jungle, Das and Chitrakonda inspector in charge (IIC) Rajesh Chhatria said.

A combing operation was carried out in the forest after the exchange of fire in an effort to trace the fleeing naxals and some arms and ammunition were also recovered, police said.

Additional force has been rushed to the area and detailed information was awaited.