Bhawanipatna, March 8: A Maoist was killed in a fierce exchange of fire with the police during an anti-naxal operation inside dense forest in Kalahandi district Sunday.
The ultra was killed and his body seized after the encounter that took place during the operation by security personnel near Godlajharan village, Kalahandi superintendent of police Brijesh Kumar Ray said.
The exchange of fire with the Naxalites ensued when personnel of district police and elite SOG (special operation group) were carrying out the operation near the village in Churadangar forests of Golamunda block in the district, he said.
The police also seized a sophisticated weapon and other materials from the spot, the SP said adding combing operation was intensified in the area.
Besides the hilly tracks of Lanjigarh, Thuamul Rampur, Madanpur-Rampur and Golamunda block of Kalahandi district fall under the Naxal corridor, the police said.
Naxals are active for the last few years in Golamunda block area particularly in areas bordering Chhattisgarh. This was the first major exchange of fire between the Maoists and police, they said. PNN
Maoist killed in gunbattle
