Malkangiri: A dreaded Maoist cadre was killed in an exchange of fire between police and the red rebels in Mahupadar forest in Malkangiri district bordering Chhattisgarh today.
According to sources, the identity of the Maoist is yet to be ascertained. Police have seized a pistol and several items belonging to the Maoists from the spot.
Acting on a tipoff about presence of ultras in Mahupadar forest area, the cops had launched a search operation this morning. A District Voluntary Force (DVF) unit from Malkanigiri was sent to the area for the operation, informed sources.
Later, an exchange of fire took place between police and the red rebels for around an hour killing the rebel on the spot.
Following the incident, police have intensified search operation in the forest.
The State Government has intensified anti-Maoist operations in Malkangiri district and earlier this month, DGP RP Sharma had visited cut-off areas of the district to review the same. He had met BSF ADG Arun Kumar and other senior police officials and held discussions on strategies to counter Maoist menace including deployment of security personnel in naxal-hit areas and issues pertaining to logistics support to the security personnel deployed in such areas.