Maoist commander gunned down

Guntur, June 19 (UNI) Dreaded Maoist leader, Suresh (30) Commander of the Maoist Nallamala Forest Platoon, who carried a reward of Rs 12 lakh on his head, was gunned down by police near Ramapuram village in this district last night.

He had pleged to assassinate Chief Minister Rajasekhara Reddy. He was also wanted in 40 murder cases, including the raid on Chilakaluripet police station in which seven police persons died and the attack on Durgi police station in which inspector and sub-insector died.

It was reported that Suresh had alienated fellow Maoists by his despotic nature. He allegedly removed Rs 15 lakh from his party funds and was said to be preparing to surrender before state police in Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, police shot him while he was rushing to his village yesterday.

Police said they opened fire on him after he fired at them.

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