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SOG jawan killed in encounter with naxals

BERHAMPUR: A gun battle between naxalites and the police claimed the life of a Special Operation Group (SOG) jawan inside Sudhakunda forests under Kalimela police station in Malkangiri district on Monday evening.

This incident took place while the Maoists were preparing for the celebration of People’s Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) foundation day on Dec 2. A joint team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the SOG had started combing operation in the Sudhakunda forest following an intelligence report that some hardcore Maoists were holding a meeting inside it.

They had entered the forest in the afternoon. The Sudhakunda forest is part of the dense Madhumala forest range which is attached to the Maoist-infested areas of Eastern Ghats.

The police team was said to have encountered a group of heavily armed naxals inside the jungle. An exchange of fire continued between the security forces and the Maoists till 7.30 pm. An SOG jawan, K.Anand Patnaik fell, victim to naxal bullets.

Receiving information about the encounter, Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Satyabrata Bhoi sent teams of armed personnel to the area. But the Maoists managed to escape into deep forest.

Combing operation had been intensified in the area. Although suspicion was that the naxalites may have sustained losses till Tuesday afternoon no evidence hinting at it had been retrieved. Maoists have increased activities before the PLGA foundation day. They have killed two persons branding them police informers in Malkangiri district since November 16.

Meanwhile a former naxal Kendury Adanna was arrested in Koraput district. According to police sources he has now split away from the CPI-Maoist party and is part of an independent wing involved in extortion. He was alleged to be involved in the murder of Balaram sahukar by naxals in Narayanapatna area of the district.

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