Chhattisgarh: Naxal killed in encounter with security forces

Raipur: A naxal was today gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s insurgency-hit Sukma district, police said.

The face-off took place during a combing operation near restive Birabhati forests under Bhejji police station limits, Sukma Superintendent of Police D Shrawan told PTI.

A joint team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Cobra (Combat Battalion for Resolute Action), a specialised unit of CRPF and district force was carrying out search operations in the Bhejji region of south Bastar, around 500 kms from Raipur, Shrawan said.

When they reached Birabhati and Jaggawaram forests, rebels opened indiscriminate firing on them following which they retaliated.

After a fierce gun-battle, the ultras retreated to the core area of the forest.

Later in searches, body of a slain naxal in uniform and a SLR rifle was recovered from the spot, he said.

The identity of the killed naxal is yet to be ascertained, he said adding his body was being retrieved from the forests.

PTI