5 Maoists killed in encounter

Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, Sep 15: Five Maoists, including Mahadevpur Area Secretary Madhu, were killed in an encounter in the dense Tadwai Forests of the district today.

Some AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from the spot, according to the police.

Acting on information that the Maoists were holding a meeting in the forests, police said a combing party was sent to the area to nab them.

As the Maoists opened fire, the police had to retaliate in self-defence killing five naxals on the spot while the rest escaped.

Intensive combing operations were on to nab them, police said.

Confirming the killing, district Superintendent of Police (SP) Stephen Ravindra told reporters that there were three women among the slain naxalites. He, however, said according to information received from the interior forest area that only four bodies were recovered. He said police came across a group of six to eight naxals and search was on for the rest.

Police received information that the Maoists were moving about in Tadwai and Eturunagaram areas and indulging in extortions. Combing operations were taken up following the information, he added.

Replying to the questions about reports that Maoist top leader Ganesh was among the killed Naxals, he said it was not established yet.

Some weapons including AK 47 and .303 rifles were recovered from the site, he said.

In Hyderabad, Home Minister K Jana Reddy also confirmed the encounter. He said it took place between 1000 hrs and 1100 hrs today in the forest area.

The identity of the slain naxals was yet to be established, the minister added.

UNI