Odisha: Top Maoist Commander Held In Malkangiri

Malkangiri: A day after a Maoist cadre was gunned down by security personnel in an encounter on Thursday, in yet another major breakthrough a top Maoist commander was arrested from the dense Jantri forests in the Swabhiman Anchal area during a search operation on Friday.

The arrested top ranking Maoist operative is presently being interrogated following treatment. His identity has been withheld by the police.

On Thursday, the security personnel had gunned down one Maoist cadre, identified as Kishor, in the forests and seized an AK-47 rifle and a large quantity of explosives from his hideout.

Police sources said acting on a tip-off, a joint team of the Special Operation Group (SOG) and the District Voluntary Force (DVF) had launched a combing operation in the forest. As the security personnel approached a hideout, the red rebels allegedly opened fire and a gun battle ensued, leading to the death of the Maoist cadre. Another Maoist rebel was also injured during the operation.

“It’s a great success for the police and very significant loss for the Red ultras. Normally their military platoon is their best fighting arm. It’s a big setback for them as they have lost one of their commanders,” said Director General of Police (DGP) Abhay.

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Maoist Gunned Down In Encounter In Malkangiri Swabhiman Anchal