nThree hard-core Naxals were killed in separate encounters between Maoists and security personnel in restive Bijapur and Dantewada districts, police said on Saturday.
The first incident occurred around 8:30 am in a forest near Punnur village, around six km from Awapalli police station, in Bijapur district when a team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) was out on a counter-insurgency operation, Deputy Inspector General (anti- Naxal operations) Sundarraj P said.
The operation was launched from Awapalli, around 450 km from Raipur, on a specific input about the movement of Maoists divisional commander Nagesh, he said.
"After a brief exchange, ultras escaped from the spot.
During a search, the body of a male Naxal was found. A .315 bore rifle was recovered from the spot," the DIG said.
The deceased was identified as Karm Mangu who was Janmilitia Commander. He carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head, the DIG mentioned
On late Friday night, two Naxals were gunned down in an encounter in Kirandul area of neighbouring Dantewada district. They were killed in the gun battle that happened in a hilly terrain between Kutrem and Samalwar.
The deceased were identified as Podiya Uike and Lacchu Midiyami. They were members of Maoist area committee active in Malangir region. The duo carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh each on their heads.
According to police, in encounters between security personnel and Maoists in 2019 so far, 62 Naxals had been killed.