Two Maoists killed in Odisha's Sundergarh district

BHUBANESWAR: Two Maoists were gunned down in separate encounters between ultras and security personnel in Odisha's Sundergarh district.

"A top ranking Naxalite were killed today in an operation jointly launched by Odisha Police and CRPF jawans in the forest range area of the district," Director General of Police (DGP) K B Singh told reporters here.

He was working as a self-styled platoon commander of CPI (Maoist), under Saranda division in Jharkhand, the official said.

Three units of SOG (special operation group), one unit of CRPF and District Voluntary Force (DVF) participated in the operation, the DGP said.

Another Maoist, yet to be identified, was killed yesterday in another part of forest range of Sundergarh district, the official added.

The DGP said four 304 rifles, 284 rounds of bullets, four grenades, gelatine sticks, Maoist literature and camping materials were also seized.

The DGP described the incident as a major success for the Odisha Police.

Singh said Maoists in groups of about 20 to 25 persons sneaked into the Odisha border from Jharkhand and fired at the security personnel who were already conducting operation.

Intelligence reports said a Maoist camp was operating in Daldali hill which was unearthed by the security personnel.

Police and CRPF intensified combing operation in the area.