SAMBALPUR: An exchange of fire between Maoists and security forces led to the death of a Maoist at Jhanj reserve forest under Ghess forest range in Bargarh district.
The slain Maoist has been identified as Ravindra, who was divisional committee member of Bargarh-Balangir-Mahasamund division.
Ravindra, who belonged to Chhattisgarh, carried a Rs 5 lakh award on his head.
Police said, upon getting specific information about Naxal movement in Jhanj reserve forest, an anti-Maoist operation was launched jointly by the district voluntary force (DVF) and jawans of the special operations group (SOG) on Thursday night.
And when the security forces spotted the group of around 15 to 20 Naxals, including women cadres, they appealed to the ultras to surrender.
But the Maoists opened fire at the security forces.
Superintendent of police (Bargarh) Padmini Sahoo said, “The security forces appealed to Maoists to surrender but they opened fire at the security forces, who retaliated.
A Maoist was killed in the exchange of fire.
Combing operation in that area is still on,” she said.
Police have seized an AK-47 rifle, nine round ammunition of AK-47, electric detonator, cooking utensil, mobile charger, Maoist literature, medicines, ammunition pouch, solar plates, water jar besides many other articles from the spot.
Police sources said the slain Maoist, Ravindra, was involved in many Maoist activities under Paikmaal, Jharbandh and Buden police station areas in Bargarh district.
He was also involved in killing of civilians in Balangir and Bargarh districts.
He was involved in killing of a forest guard at Jaipur under Buden police station limits, killing of a contractor at Bartunda, home guard at Majhipali and betel shop owner at Salepali under Paikmaal police station area in Bargarh district.
Similarly, he was involved in six civilian killing cases in Balangir district.
His involvement in Maoist cases in neighbouring state Chhattisgarh is being verified, said police.