2 Maoists killed in Balangir

Two suspected Maoists were killed in a gun battle in Balangir district of Odisha on Saturday.

The two left-wing extremists were identified as Sanjeeb, a divisional committee member carrying a reward on ₹5 lakh on his head, and Rakesh, an area committee member carrying a bounty of ₹4 lakh. The police said the duo hailed from Chhattisgarh.

“The death of the two hardened senior cadre of the Communist Party of India-Maoist is a big blow to the outfit and will curtail their activities to a large extent. It is suspected that some more ultras were injured in the exchange of fire,” Director General of Police R. P. Sharma said, adding that combing operations are still being carried out.

One AK-47 rifle, two magazines and three rounds of live ammunition, one INSAS rifle with two magazines and 24 rounds of live ammunition, one navigation compass and one big knife were recovered from the spot, the police added.