Maoist killed in exchange of fire in Chhattisgarh

Raipur: A Maoist cadre was killed in an exchange of fire between security forces and red rebels in Narayanpur district on Malkangiri-Chhattisgarh border on Sunday.

The skirmish took place yesterday in a forest near Kalepal village under Benoor police station area, informed district Superintendent of Police Jitendra Shukla.

After receiving information about presence of rebels between Chinari and Kalepal villages, around 350 km from Raipur, a squad of the police's District Reserve Guard was sent to the spot, he said.

The security forces came under fire from the Naxals near Kalepal, leading to a gun battle, Shukla said.

After a brief exchange of fire, the rebels fled and the body of Soma Vadde, a member of Bayanar Local Organisation Squad of Maoists, was found subsequently, he said.

Police also recovered a country-made gun, the SP said, adding that a search operation to nab other rebels was underway.

(With inputs from PTI)