Maoists, Villagers Faceoff In Odisha; 1 Red Rebel Killed

Malkangiri: A Maoist was reportedly stoned to death by some locals at Janturai village in the Swabhiman Anchal of Malkangiri district late last night.

As per reports, a scuffle ensued between the red rebels and the locals after the former threatened the villagers for protesting Maoist violence in the region and resorted to blank fire.

Irate over the firing, the locals reportedly started pelting stones at the Maoists. While one of the Maoists died on the spot, another was seriously injured in the incident.

The deceased Maoist was identified as Ganga Madhi of Kalimela area. Another rebel, Jipro of Koraput sustained injuries in the attack. The locals handed over the injured Maoist to Hantalaguda-based BSF jawans.

the media on the Maoist-villager face-off, Malkangiri SP Rishikesh Khilari said, "Some Maoists attacked the villagers for supporting development works. Later, the irate locals carried out counter attack. A search operation was launched after the incident and two rebels were found in unconscious state. One of them was pronounced dead at the hospital while another rebel is now in our custody."

Meanwhile, suspected Maoists set afire more than 10 houses at Jodamba village in the district. The locals fled the area and took shelter at nearby Kunturpadar police camp. Combing operation was intensified in the area after the incident.