Six Maoists were killed in an encounter with police in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Thursday.
The incident occurred near Raghunathpalem in Karakagudem mandal near the border with Chhattisgarh.
Some top Maoist leaders from Telangana are reported to be among those killed. The exchange of fire took place in the forest area when a police party was engaged in combing operations.
Two policemen were also reportedly injured in the exchange of fire. Further details were awaited.
Police say while left-wing extremism completely disappeared in Telangana due to sustained efforts over the last 10-15 years, areas bordering neighbouring states like Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra still have Maoist presence.
Senior police officers admitted on many occasions that the fact that the leadership of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) is in the hands of people from Telangana is a matter of great concern for them.
Thursday’s encounter came as a big setback for the Maoist outfit trying to revive its activities in the state.
This came two days after nine Maoists, including six women, were killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh.
The Maoists were killed in an anti-Naxal operation conducted in the forests along the border of Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada and Bijapur districts on September 3.
The joint operation involved Dantewada District Reserve Guards, Bastar Fighters, and CRPF battalions 111 and 230, who acted on intelligence about the presence of a large number of Maoists from PLGA Company No. 2, West Bastar division, and Darbha division.
Top Maoist Leader Macherla Esobu from Telangana is reported to be among those killed in the encounter in Chhattisgarh.
Esobu, also known as Jagan, Dada Randev, and Randhir, was in charge of the CPI (Maoist) Party’s central military and the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border.
A key member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), Esobu hailed from Tekulagudem village in Kazipet mandal, Hanamkonda district and was active in the Maoist movement since the 1980s.
The Maoist leader was carrying a cash reward of Rs. 25 lakh on his head.
Tripura youth sent to jail for brutally killing street dog
An official said that the youth was arrested from Wak Shimalung Para village in Khowai district on Saturday for killing a street dog on March 11. The youth, identified as Bador Jamatia, has been booked under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
7 Bangladeshis, 4 Rohingyas held along India-Bangladesh border
Seven Bangladeshi nationals and four Rohingyas were arrested in Meghalaya and Tripura border villages, along with four Indian touts who facilitated the foreign nationals' illegal entry into India from across the border, an official said on Sunday.
Tripura: BJP to contest Village Committee polls in alliance with IPFT and TMP
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would contest upcoming crucial elections to the Village Committees in alliance with its allies -- the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) though the TMP fought the 2023 Assembly polls independently.
HM Shah to hold review meet with NE CMs on 3 new criminal laws
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold a meeting with the Chief Ministers of eight northeastern states in Guwahati on Sunday to review the implementation of three new criminal laws, which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other laws in July last year, officials said.
Landed in India, a country of huge importance: New Zealand PM
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon received a warm welcome from Union Minister of State S.P. Singh Baghel as he arrived in Delhi for his first official visit to India.
Suicide blast in Balochistan: 5 Pakistani soldiers killed, claims Baloch Liberation Army
At least five Pakistani soldiers were killed and more than ten injured after a deadly explosion rocked the Pakistani Army convoy in Balochistan’s Noshki, reports said.
SC to hear on Monday suo moto RG Kar doctor rape-murder case
The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday the matter where it has taken suo moto cognisance of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
India to co-chair key international counter-terrorism meet for first time
India is set to play a pivotal role in an upcoming international counter-terrorism meeting, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to combat terrorism globally.