7 Maoists killed in Odisha encounter

Bhubaneswar May 14 (IANS) At least seven Maoists were gunned down in separate encounters with security personnel in Odisha s Kandhamal and Balangir districts in last two days said an official on Monday.

"Five Maoists were killed during a combing operation at Sudukumpa forest in Kandhamal s Golanki village.

"While two were killed in Dudkamal village of Balangir district " said Additional Director General of Police (Operations) R.P. Koche.

Acting on a tip-off a combing operation was launched by the police and Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel in Sudukumpa forest said Koche.

The police have recovered nine rifles including AK-47 and INSAS and other ammunition from the area. The combing operation was on in the forest area he added.

Director General of Police R.P. Sharma described it as a red letter day in the history of Odisha Police.

"This is a great team effort. The district Superintendents of Police have led from the front with exemplary courage and confidence " said Sharma.

--IANS
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