Two Maoists killed in encounter ahead of Chhattisgarh assembly polls

RAIPUR: Two Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in forests of Kanker district of Chhattisgarh, two weeks before the district goes for elections in the first phase on November 7.

With upcoming elections, the search operations in Bastarregion have been intensified, during which, a gun-battle broke out between Maoists and security personnel around 8 in the morning in forests of Koyelibeda in Kanker district.

A joint team of district reserve guards, Bastar fighters, Border Security Force and district police had gone for search operations early on Saturday in forests bordering Gome village. Group of armed Maoists opened indiscriminate firing, which was retaliated by security personnel.

According to Bastar range inspector general of police P Sundnarraj, the firing went on for a few minutes and the Maoists retreated into the forest, leaving bodies of their colleagues.

Security personnel recovered two bodies of male cadres along with seizure of one Insas rifle, a 12 bore rifle and explosives with ammunition. All the security personnel were reported safe.

The bodies of deceased cadres will be brought to base and their identity will be done, however, the search operation continues in the region, police said.

The three assembly segments in Kanker district will be going for polls in the first phase of elections for 20 seats.