Maoist dies in exchange of fire with security forces

Visakhapatnam: A 25-year-old Maoist was killed in an Exchange of Fire that took place between security forces and Maoists at Panasapodar near Jodaambo in Malkangiri district of Odisha in the wee hours of Friday. Police had seized one SLR and one 303 rifle from the spot.

According to the sources, the Exchange of Fire between the Maoists and the armed forces took place at Panasapodar near Jodaambo (Balimela forest area) of Odisha from morning to evening on  Thursday. The firing continued in the wee hours of Friday.

After the firing was stopped, the armed forces found the body of one Maoist. However, his identity has not yet been known.  The other Maoists reportedly fled from the place. 

Meanwhile, rumours have spread that the most wanted Maoist Akkiraju Hara Gopal, alias Rama Krishna (RK), is under the custody of armed forces. However, the police had stated that RK was identified during the EOF and he had escaped and fled from the place on Thursday. 

Leaders of Virasam (Viplava Rachayitala Sangham) and Human Rights organisations had demanded AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday to state whether Maoist RK is alive or not; if he is alive, whether he is under police custody or not.

They also demanded that the Maoist leader be presented in the court within 24 hours.  However AP Police had denied the rumours that RK was in police custody. But, according to a senior official in Visakhapatnam, RK was residing at Semblipodar area in Malkangiri district of Odisha, nearer to the cut off region.