Runaway naxal couple killed in police encounter

Sonu Netam, 21, and Kamla Markam, 19, were shot dead near Chameda village in neighbouring Odisha by a police team in a retaliatory firing, IG (Durg range) R K Vij said.

One INSAS rifle, three SLRs and some cartridges were recovered from the spot, he added.

Vij said the duo had surrendered to Dhamtari police on June 8 and were living in a room adjacent to Sihawa police station in the district.

According to the officer, the couple decamped with one INSAS rifle, two SLRs and 90 cartridges from the police station on the night of July 5, following which the teams of STF and CRPF troopers fanned out on their trail.

Four police constables of Sihawa station were suspended for dereliction of duty, he said.

Vij said when police arrived at the village after tip-off about the duo's whereabouts, they opened fire at security team. The two ultras were killed in the resulting exchange of fire.