According to officials, three Naxalites were killed during an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district. Kanker SP Indira Kalyan Elesela stated that police, in collaboration with the BSF and SSB, conducted a joint operation in the Koyalibeda area.

Additionally, police recovered three guns, ammunition, and various items of daily use from the site. The bodies of the Maoists were transported to the district headquarters for post-mortem examination and identification.

During an anti-Naxal operation in Koyalibeda's forested area, the encounter unfolded. Officials disclosed that the operation was prompted by information concerning Raju Salaam, a Naxal commander. The operation's execution was facilitated by intelligence gathered from the headquarters.

SP Kanker Kalyan Elesela informed DH that the three Maoists were affiliated with the group known as 'military company No-5', which operates under the command of Raju Salam.

He stated that all three individuals were under 30 years old and were dressed in civilian attire. Acting on received intelligence, a joint team comprising local police, CRPF, and DRG (District Reserve Guard) swiftly conducted a search operation in the area.

The Maoists initiated gunfire with the security forces during the combing operation in the Koyaliebeda jungle, located approximately 112 km south of the district headquarters and under Pakhanjur tehsil.

However, the authorities had not yet confirmed the identities of the neutralized Maoists.

"The Naxals have not been identified as of now, but they were affiliated with the team led by Raju Salaam from Company Number 5, where the encounter occurred," he stated.

He further added, "Additional Naxals were observed sustaining injuries, including two women who were seen armed with SLR rifles and engaging in gunfire. However, their bodies were not recovered."

In Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, a Naxal was previously killed in an encounter with the District Reserve Guards. Chhattisgarh police reported that the Naxal was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire between DRG personnel and the insurgents in the Burkalanka jungle area.

Additionally, police disclosed that two individuals were killed in Sukma village in Chhattisgarh. The killings were allegedly carried out by Naxals who suspected the victims of being police informants.

Image source: ANI