Maoist killed in encounter with security forces in Sukma

A Maoist was killed on Tuesday in an exchange of fire with security forces in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Sukma district, police said.

The encounter took place in the wee hours when a team of the District Reserve Group (DRG) led by Dornapal SHO Ajay Sonkar was carrying out an Anti-naxal operation in Dornapal police station area, according to Sukma Superintendent of Police (SP) Indira Kalyan Elesela said.

A group of Maoists opened indiscriminate fire on the team near Koyabekur village following which an encounter broke out between both the sides, he said.

Mada Benjami, head of Janatana Sarkar group of Maoists in Kerlapal area, was killed in the encounter, Elesela said, adding the deceased was looking after Naxal activities in about 10 villages of the region.A muzzle loading gun and some ammunition was recovered from the spot, he said.