Naxalite killed in gun battle

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nA Naxalite allegedly involved in the killing of a police officer and a forest official was killed in a gun battle with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Thursday, police said.

The Maoist, identified as Santosh Podiam, was carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head.

The gunfight took place at around 5 am in Darbha forest in the Kutru police station    limits when a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and District Force was an     anti-Naxalite operation, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P said.

The body was found from the spot some 400 km from the state capital Raipur.

A rifle, a bag and some Naxalite-related material were also recovered, Sundarraj said.

Podiam, a Jan Militia commander of the Maoists, was allegedly involved in the abduction and murder of an Assistant Sub-Inspector in August and the killing of a Forest Ranger in September in south Bastar area, the officer said.

On November 23, three hardcore Naxalites were killed in a gun battle with security forces in Kanker district of Bastar range.

Daily Pioneer
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