2 Maoists killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: Security forces have gunned down two high-ranking Maoists in an encounter in forests alongside borders of Kondagaon-Narayanpur districts Tuesday late. The Maoists killed, carried a cash reward of Rs 13 lakh on their heads.

The encounter took place in the forested Kilam-Bargum region, a police statement said.

The killed Maoists were identified as divisional committee member (DVCM) Haldar who carried a cash reward of Rs 8 lakh on his head and Rame, the area committee member (ACM) who carried cash reward of Rs five lakh.

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Police officials said that based on intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoists in Kilam-Bargum forests, a joint team of the Kondagaon District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters launched a search operation on April 15. The encounter broke out in the evening hours when the Maoists were spotted.

Following the exchange of fire, the bodies of two Maoist cadres were recovered from the site. Security personnel also recovered an assault weapon AK-47 rifle, additional arms, explosives, and other Maoist materials from the scene.

"The elimination of these top-level operatives is a major setback to Maoist operations in the region," a senior police official stated. "Their presence in the East Bastar Division was linked to multiple violent incidents, and their neutralization is a significant achievement for the forces."

The search operations continued on Wednesday morning in the dense forest terrain to trace the insurgents and secure the area. Further details will be released after the completion of the operation, the police said.