Warangal:Top Maoist leader Macherla Esobu alias Jagan alias Dada Ranadev was killed in an encounter at Dantewada in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.
Ranadev, who worked as central military in-charge and border in-charge of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh in the banned Maoist organization, was a native of Tekula Gudem village in Kazipet mandal of Hanamkonda district.
He joined the Maoist group in 1980. His wife Macherla Lakshmakka, who was an ex-Maoist leader, died suffering from fever last year. Ranadev is survived by three children (two daughters and a son).
Dantewada superintendent of police Gaurav Rai said Ranadev was the one among nine-armed uniformed Maoists who were killed in a police-naxalite encounter in the forests of Lohegaon, Purangel and Andhra border areas of Dantewada district. He was carrying a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh on his head.
The family members of Ranadev were informed that the body of the Maoist would be brought to Tekula Gudem from Chhattisgarh to perform his last rites on Thursday.
