Two Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

The DRG had received inputs about the presence of 15 to 20 armed Maoists in the forested area of Koranjed-Bandepara under the jurisdiction of Madded police station in the district. The security forces identified the deceased as divisional committee member Manila Poonem, 36, alias Manila Padam and area committee militia platoon commander Manglu Kudiam, 40.

Bijapur SP Jitendra Kumar Yadav said: “Bodies of the two Maoists were found during search operations. Manila Poonem was wanted in over a dozen cases and was carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh. Manglu Kudiam was an accused in at least six cases and was carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh. Both were booked in cases of murder, attempt to murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping, riot, under the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act.”

Manglu had joined the Maoist movement when he was 16, said the SP.

After the encounter, the DRG found a pistol, a gun, two bombs, explosive materials, Maoist uniforms, Rs 30,000 in cash and medicines among other things.