26 Maoists killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh
Top Naxalite leaders, including CPI(Maoist) leader Nambala Keshava Rao, are said to be among the casualties; a ‘supporter’ of police was also killed in the gunfight
As many as 26 Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the forests along the border of Narayanpur-Bijapur districts in Chhattisgarh, officials said on Wednesday (May 21).
Some reports say top CPI(Maoist) leader Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavraj is among the slain Naxalites.
The identities of the deceased Maoists are being established, reports quoting sources said.
The officials told PTI that a person who was supporting the police was killed and a police jawan was injured in the gunfight.
Anti-Naxal operation
The encounter took place in dense forests between Abhujmad and Indravati National Park area when a joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) of police from four districts was out on anti-Naxal operation, said deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma.
"More than 26 Naxalites, some of them probably top cadres, were killed. One supporter of the police was killed and a police jawan was injured in the action," said Sharma, who holds the home portfolio.
Combing operations are still underway, he added.