Cop, Maoist Killed In Encounter In Chhattsigarh

Kanker: A police constable and a Maoist were killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district on Sunday, a senior police official said.

Security forces were conducting an anti-Maoist operation in the Hidur forest under Chhotebethiya police station based on intelligence regarding Maoist presence in the area. The encounter ensued when the joint team of security personnel came face-to-face with the armed Maoists.

Constable Ramesh Kurethi of the Bastar Fighters, a specialized unit of the Chhattisgarh state police, succumbed to his injuries during the gunfight. A senior police official confirmed the death of Constable Kurethi and a Maoist in the encounter. The official added that security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle from the encounter site.

A search operation is currently underway in the vicinity to track down any remaining Maoists.