Maoist cadre killed in encounter in Odisha’s Kandhamal; AK47 recovered

A male Maoist cadre was killed in an exchange of fire in Odisha's Kandhamal district on Friday. The development came during a special operation launched based on a specific intelligence input.

After getting the input, the operation was launched by two SOG teams in Budanai Reserve forest under Baliguda Police Station of Kandhmal district. 

During the operation, an exchange of fire between SOG and Naxals was reported at around 9 am today.

Subsequently, during search of the area, body of the male Maoist Cadre (in uniform) along with one AK 47 rifle was recovered.

Preliminary enquiry reveals the deceased was a senior ranked cadre of CPI(M) belonging to Kandhmal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh Division (KKBN division) of Maoists operating in the district.

Further search of the area and operation has been intensified in the area.

At least five Maoists have been neutralised so far in Odisha this year. 

Odisha DGP congratulated Kandhamal Police, Intelligence Directorate and Operational Headquarters for the achievement.