Bhubaneswar, Jan 24: An Odia Maoist carrying a bounty of Rs 18 lakh on his head was among the 27 killed in a joint operation by Odisha Police, Chhattisgarh Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel near border areas of Nuapada district and Gariabandh district in the neighboring state, confirmed police sources.
The deceased has been identified as Alok alias Munna, hailing from Kulasri under Niali police limits in Cuttack.
Odisha cadre Central Committee member Maoist Jayram killed was also gunned down in the encounter. He was carrying a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head.
Additionally, another Maoist cadre Gunkha, who was carrying Rs 25 lakh bounty, was also killed in this encounter.
Notably, the joint operation began on Sunday night (January 19) and two women Maoists were neutralized on Monday (January 20). Later in the early hours of Tuesday, an exchange of fire ensued between the Maoists and the Special Operations Group (SOG) in which several other red rebels were gunned down.
A team of 10 security forces, including three Special Operation Groups (SOGs) of Nuapada district, two Special Police Teams (E-30) of Chhattisgarh and five CRPF teams were involved in the operation. For the first time, four to five drones were also used in the operation to trace the movements of the militants.
