Malkangiri, Odisha: Two hardcore Maoist leaders were neutralized during an encounter in the Mohala-Manpur-Ambagada area of Chhattisgarh-Odisha border districts. The clash took place while security forces were conducting combing operations in the Banda Pahad-Retegao area.
According to official sources, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee member Vijay Reddy and Divisional Committee chief Lokesh Salem were killed in the operation. Both leaders were involved in multiple violent Maoist activities and killings over the years.
A reward of ₹35 lakh had been announced for the capture of these leaders, with Vijay Reddy’s head alone valued at ₹10 lakh. Authorities seized a large cache of Maoist weapons and materials from the encounter site.
The police confirmed that the operation was carried out after the leaders were located during coordinated combing operations. Security forces continue to comb the area to ensure no threats remain.
This marks a significant blow to Maoist operations in the region and highlights the ongoing efforts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh security forces in curbing insurgency.
