Bhubaneswar: A major crackdown on Maoist activities in Kandhamal resulted in the killing of three cadres, including a top leader, in a gunfight with security forces in Kandhamal district.
The encounter occurred on Wednesday night in Gumma forest, Belghar police station area, following a tip-off that led to a joint combing operation by the CRPF, and police and SOG (Special Operation Group) of Odisha Police.
The deceased Maoists include top leader Ganesh Uikey who is the central committee leader, and three others identified as Bari alias Rakesh and Amrit, from Chhattisgarh, with a combined bounty of Rs 23.65 lakh. Ganesh (69), a native of Telangana was carrying a bounty of Rs 1.10 lakh on his head. A woman cadre’s body was also recovered on Thursday morning, with her identity yet to be confirmed.
Security forces seized a revolver, a 303 rifle, and a walkie-talkie set from the scene. No casualties were reported on the security forces’ side, and combing operations have intensified in the area. This comes a day after 22 Maoists surrendered before Odisha DGP YB Khurania in Malkangiri district
