5 Maoists killed in encounter at Andhra-Odisha border

Malkangiri, Odisha: Five Maoists were killed in an encounter with security personnel near Paparmetla area in Malkangiri district in South Odisha on Monday morning.

 The Greyhound jawans of Andhra Pradesh, Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel of Odisha police, BSF, CRPF launched the joint anti-Maoist operation on Sunday night.

Malkangiri superintendent of police M. Mohapatra said that fierce exchange of fire was on between the security personnel and the rebels village, nearly 150 km from the district headquarters.

“The security personnel and Maoists are engaged in an exchange of fire at Panasput on Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border,” Mr Mohapatra said. On the damage and casualty, the SP said details were awaited.

According to reports, top Maoist leader Ramakrishna dodged security team during the joint combing operation.

Inspector general (IG) of police Y.S. Jethwa said the fighting between the security personnel and the rebels were on three hills near Panasput.

The IG said the joint operation launched following concrete intelligence inputs that the Maoists were holding a crucial meeting in the area to strengthen their position in the region.

Unconfirmed sources said at least five rebels were killed in the encounter.

In another development, the Maoists on Sunday night killed two persons at Koriaguda village under Padia police station in the district.

The victims were identified as Jaga Kabasi and Soti Naga. The villagers said a group of rebels came the village late in the night and took away the victims with them. They later held a praja court where they beat up the Jaga and Soti to death.