Three jawans killed in encounter with Naxalites in Orissa

Berhampur, Orissa, Mar 24 (UNI) Heavily armed Naxalites swooped down on the small town of R Udaygiri early this morning, gunning down three jawans and injuring two.

Over 200 armed Naxalites took over the town and went on a rampage, attacking the Police station, Sub-jail, OSAP camp, Police barrack, Treasury office, Tahasil office, Inspection Bungalow and other government establishments.

They shot dead two jawans and kidnapped the Officer-in-Charge of R Udayagiri police station and Jail Superintendent after they attacked the jail with bomb and released 37 inmates.

Police said three jawans were injured during the exchange of fire with the naxalites.

The encounter continued for more than three hours.

One of the jawans identified as Rajesh Ekka succumbed to his wounds at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital.

The heavily armed ultras, including about 30 whom, clad in khaki uniform, also stormed in groups R Udayagiri police the Telephone Exchange, Fire Station and other government establishments too located within a radius of one km in groups.

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