Three Maoists killed in encounter with security forces in Odisha

Odisha, Sept 20 : The security forces gunned down three Maoists in an encounter in Odisha’s Malkangiri district.

The encounter took place in Bhejaguda forest of Mathili area where a team of the Special Operation Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF) were conducting the combing operation.

Senior Maoist leader Sunadhar, one of the most wanted ultras of Chhattisgarh, was among those killed in the encounter yesterday.

“Three Maoist cadres were killed. One body has been identified as Sunadhar, who was working as Divisional Committee Member (DCM) in Darbha division area. We are yet to identify the other two cadres,” said Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Mitrabhanu Mohapatra.

Sunadhar was a key member of a unit which had planned and executed an attack on the convoy of Congress leaders in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh two years back. He was carrying the bounty of Rs. 5, 00,000 in Odisha and Rs. 8,00,000 in Chhattisgarh.

He was allegedly also involved in the killing of 14 security personnel in Chhattisgarh in 2014.

The police also recovered arms and ammunition, a pistol, some sharp weapons, walkie-talkie sets, Maoist uniforms and several other materials including literature from the site. (ANI)