Maoist commander slain in Chhattisgarh

Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, Mar 20 (UNI) Police today shot dead a CPI(Maoist) commander and arrested a woman naxal near Samri in Chhattisgarh's Sarguja district.

IG A N Upadhyaya said the encounter took place at Amadiah village near Samri, about 125 km from here when the police team raided the village following a tip-off that rebels were holding a meeting.

''The encounter continued for more than an hour, killing Commander Dutta and injuring several cadres,'' he added.

Meanwhile, Simpi, who was carrying a reward of Rs 5,000 on her head, was apprehended from Chelha forests. The naxal, who was arrested near Basnara village, was involved in eight serious crimes including an attack on a police post.

During interrogation, Simpi confessed that she joined the extremist camp after the ultras promised to help solve a land dispute in her village. She also alleged that she was sexually exploited.

UNI XC-JJ AC SC RS1921