STF jawan killed in naxal encounter in Chhattisgarh

Police suspect that at least five guerrilla cadres were also killed in the encounter that took place near Gandharpada village under Gadiras station limits early morning, Sukma district superintendent of police Abhishek Shandilya told PTI. He said trooper Aadesh Pal was hit in the chest when naxals opened fire on the STF team after they were cornered in Gandharpada forest area. The firing continued for four hours after which the Maoists fled the spot, he said.

The SP further said that police found heavy blood stains at five places in vicinity of the encounter site which made them believe that at least five naxlas might have been killed in the exchange of fire. Police, however, have not recovered any dead body of ultras from the spot.

The SP said additional police force has been sent to the area and combing operation is on to trace the naxals. "The dead body of the STF jawan is being shifted to Sukma," he added.