Several Maoists were injured during an encounter with police in a forest under the Mathili police station in Malkangiri district on Tuesday, it was reported on Wednesday.
During a combing operation in a jungle near Kulabeda village, Maoists opened fire at the security personnel, who retaliated with controlled firing after warning the ultras, said Malkangiri SP Hrushikesh Khilari, adding that the injured Maoists fled into deep forests. The police recovered an INSAS rifle along with 34 rounds of bullets, an AK-47 magazine, two INSAS magazines, four kit bags, digital cameras and other articles, Khilari said. Notably, Maoists are losing public support in this area.
Also, many ultras are suffering from Covid-19. The Malkangiri police administration once again appealed to the Maoists to join the mainstream of the society, become part of peaceful developmental initiatives and get better medical treatment.
Meanwhile, six Maoists were killed in operations conducted by police personnel in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh early on Wednesday. A senior Maoist leader and a woman member were among those killed.