Maoist killed in encounter

A Maoist, carrying Rs four lakh reward on his head, was killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in a forest in Khairput area of Odisha's Malkangiri district, police said today.
"One Maoist has been killed in the encounter that took place in Malkangiri district yesterday. Some weapons and other materials were also seized from the site," Director General of Police Sanjeev Marik said.
Acting on an information about the presence of Naxals, District Voluntary Force (DVF) personnel launched a combing operation in Daudapadar forest and a gun-battle took place when the ultras attacked them, Inspector General of Police Y K Jethwa told reporters here.

After the encounter, the body of the Maoist, Era Madkami alias Lalu alias Nadeem alias Sundhi Dalai of Poteru area of Malkangiri police station, was found during search operation in the area while other ultras had fled, he said.
Madkami was working under Andhra-Odisha border zonal committee as a senior member and area committee leader of Guma Maobadi Dalam, he said.
A reward of Rs four lakh had been announced by the government for the slain ultra, he said.
A stengun, a 303 rifle, kitbag, posters, banners, Maoist literature, medicines, and other materials were found from the site, the IG said.

Search operation in the forest was going on in an effort to track the fleeing Maoists and ascertain if any of them was injured in the gunbattle.