Wanted Maoist killed in 'encounter' in Telangana

A senior cadre of the banned CPI (Maoist) was killed in an 'encounter' in a forest area in Telangana's Bhadradri-Kothagudem district bordering Chattisgarh today, police said.

The deceased Arun, a divisional committee member and In-charge of Cherla-Shabari area, was active in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Chattishgarh, District Superintendent of Police Ambar Kishor Jha said.

Aged around 30, he was allegedly involved in more than 10 crimes, including three murders and landmine blasts, and carried a reward of Rs four lakh for information on him.

Jha said police personnel were on a combing operation in the forest areas of Cherla mandal bordering Chattisgarh when came under attack by a group of ultras following which they returned fire in "self-defence".

In the exchange of fire, one person was killed. He was identified as Arun, a senior Maoist cadre who had remained underground for the past ten years, he said.

A .303 rifle and four kit bags were recovered from the scene, the SP said.

Police have stepped up the combing operations in the area following a tip-off that the ultras were gathering there as part of their plan to observe the Maoists Martyrs Week from July 28, he added.