Two Maoists killed in police encounter

Sambalpur, Jan 6(UNI) A day after arson and looting of forest range house at Badrama, the police gunned down two Maoists in a fierce encounter at Cheptikani-Gadpati village under Jamankira police station, 55 km from here yesterday, sources today said.

This is for the first time ever since Maoists operation in Sambalpur surfaced in 2003,the police killed two of their cadres and injured six including women.

The incident took place last night when combing operation by special operation group (SOG) was on inside the forest. Police also seized two SLR and three 303 rifles and a country made revolver from the Maoists.

However, sources said nearly 12-14 Maoists managed to flee away taking advantage of the dense forest and darkness.

Police suspected that the Maoist group was involved in attacking and ransacking the Badarama range office on Friday night The rifle looted from the forest office was also recovered from the Maoists during the encounter.

The deceased Maoists were identified as Raj of Rengali-Badmal and Kalia Mirdha of Laikera Bahal villages, the police said.

UNI XC DP ADG MSJ AS1907