Two Maoists killed in Koraput encounter

KORAPUT: At least two Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces near Pottangi in Koraput district, IG (South-Western Range) Yashowant Jethwa said on Tuesday.

Briefing mediapersons, Jethwa said the District Voluntary Force (DVF) personnel were on a routine combing operation in a forested area near Pottangi when the Maoists opened fire at them.

In retaliation, the DVF personnel opened fire, resulting in the death of the two Maoists, he said.

After an hour-long exchange of fire, the other Maoists fled the area leaving behind the bodies of their slain comrades.

The DVF personnel later seized two carbines, four magazines and some grenades from the spot, Jethwa said. The slain Maoists have been identified as Mala Sanjeeva and AK Swami who were carrying a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh each on their heads. Both were the resident of Andhra Pradesh, he said.

Sanjeeva was working as squad commander in the CPI (Maoist) Central Regional Committee, while Swami was the divisional committee member. The Central Committee of the party had recently appointed Sanjeeva as chief of the Nandapur division, said the police sources.

“We have intensified combing operation in the area after exchange of fire with the Maoists,” said the IG.

Notably, the Maoists on August 27 last year killed four BSF jawans when they were passing a road near Sunkhi village in Potangi area of the district.