Suspected Maoist killed in shootout at Wayanad resort

Kochi, Mar 7: Maoist leader CP Jaleel killed in an encounter with Kerala police in Vythiri last night.

The gunfight started Wednesday night and went on till early Thursday morning. Police were yet to reveal the identity of the suspected Maoist.

A group of Maoists allegedly reached a private resort on Wednesday night and demanded food for 10 members of the team and money, sources said. The resort staff informed police about the presence of the extremist group and a specialised 'Thunderbolt' squad of the Kerala Police rushed in. "One person was killed during the exchange of fire on Wednesday. No officer was injured in the fire fight," a police official told PTI.

Police have cordoned off the forested locality near Vythiri in Wayanad district and combing operation is underway to capture the rest of the members of the armed group.

A high-level meeting of police and district officials has been convened by the Inspector General of Police, Kannur Range. Kerala Thunderbolts is an elite command force of the Kerala Police under the India Reserve Battalion.

PTI