Maoist leader killed in police-Naxal encounter in Chitrakonda

Malkangiri: A hardcore Maoist was killed in an exchange of fire between police and the red rebels in Kapatuti forest of Chitrakonda on the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border in the wee hours today.

Large amount of Maoist-related materials were seized from the spot following the encounter.

Acting on a tip-off regarding presence of a Maoist camp in the forest, two teams of security personnel led by the Malkangiri SP launched operations last night. Later, in the wee hours the police-ultras encounter occurred in which Maoist commander Chinnabai of the AOBSZC's Kalimela Dalam, was killed.

Till filing of this report, search operations were on in the area.

The encounter comes after the Sukma attacks in Chhatisgarh that had killed as many as 25 security personnel. On March 31 this year, suspected Maoists had created havoc at the Doikallu railway station in Rayagada district by instrumenting bomb blasts besides abducting railway officials. They had also taken away few walkie talkies used by the railway staff. The ultras have been threatening people, particularly in remote areas, in various parts of Odisha by putting up posters at regular intervals. Odisha was on high alert after the Chhatisgarh attack by Maoists and more security forces were sought from the centre.