Top Maoist leader killed in encounter in AP

Anantapur, Oct 6 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh CPI (Maoist) committee member and Nallamala forest division committee secretary Sudharshan alias A Syamala Venakatesham and two other naxals were killed in an encounter with police in dense forests near Gunepally in this district today.

Police said Sudharshan was main accused in the attack on Prakasham District Superintendent of Police Mahesh Chandra Laddha and the Vempenta attack in Kurnool district, in which 10 people were killed.

Police had announced a reward of Rs three lakh on Sudharshan's head. Twenty cases were registered against Sudharshan, who was born in K.Samudram village of Warangal. His wife Sarita, who was Nalgonda District Maoist party committee member. was killed in an encounter last year.

Police said the naxals, who were organising a meeting in the forests in Bukkapatnam mandal, opened fire on them when they were conducting combing operations. Police returned fire in retaliation.

Three Maoists killed on the spot were Sudharshan and Rayalaseema Regional Committee member Obuyleshu. The other naxal was yet to be identified.

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