Two Maoists killed in encounter along Odisha forest border

At least two Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in a forested stretch along the Ganjam-Kandhamal border in Odisha on Sunday, police officials said.

The gunfight took place in the Karada forest area under Raikia police station limits in Kandhamal district. According to Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harisha BC, the exchange of fire began when Maoists allegedly opened fire on security personnel who were carrying out an anti Maoist operation in the region for the past two days following specific intelligence inputs.

The deceased have been identified as Jagesh , an area committee member, and Rashmi , a party member associated with the CPI Maoists. Police said the two belonged to the Kalahandi Kandhamal Boudh Nayagarh division and were considered active operatives in the district. They were allegedly involved in several violent incidents in the region.

Officials stated that the duo carried a combined bounty of Rs 27.50 lakh on their heads.

Security forces recovered several weapons and other materials from the encounter site. While police sources indicated that around nine to ten Maoists were present in the forest during the operation, only two to three reportedly engaged in firing at the forces.

No injuries were reported among security personnel during the exchange. Search operations in the surrounding forest area were continuing at the time of filing this report.