Bhubaneswar: A Maoist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jhanj reserve forest near Ganjaguda village under Padampur police limits in Bargarh district on Friday morning, informed DGP Abhay.
The DGP said that a group of Maoists started firing at a joint team of SOG and DVF during a combing operation in the area today morning. The security forces retaliated and killed one Maoist who was in uniform.
An AK-47 rifle, three AK-47 magazines, live ammunition, and other camping materials were recovered from the spot. The combing and search operation is still underway.
Abhay further said that as the AK-47 rifle is used by senior cadres in the Maoist organisation, the deceased is suspected to be a senior cadre Maoist. Efforts are underway to establish his identity.
He appealed to the Maoists to lay down their arms, surrender, and join the national mainstream. Odisha Government has a very generous rehabilitation policy for surrendered Maoists which they should use, added the DGP.