Security forces gun down two Maoists in Pusuguppa forest area

Hyderabad: Hours after the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast at Charla in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, security forces gunned down two Maoists in the neighboring forest area at Vaddipeta on Monday afternoon.

This is the third casualty suffered by the Maoists in less than a week.

Acting on a tip-off, police and special teams launched a massive cordon and search operation at Pusuguppa forest area. When the forces were zeroing in on the target, they came under heavy fire.

The fire was immediately retaliated and in the ensuing gunfight that lasted for 20 minutes, two Maoists were killed. Later security forces recovered an SBBL firearm, one pistol, and two kit bags from the encounter site.

Superintendent of Police (SP), Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Sunil Dutt said they have recovered the bodies of two men, while others escaped after the exchange of fire.

On September 3, security forces had killed Dr. Guide Divala alias Shankar in the Devallagudem forest area. Later CPI Maoist party called for a bandh on September 6 in several districts of Telangana. Terming it as 'custodial killing’, CPI Maoist Party alleged that Shankar was caught alive when he was on way to a hospital. The party said he was tortured before being shot dead.

Security has been beefed up in all the areas where there has been a report of Maoist presence. Combing and search operations have also been intensified.

Police have also received inputs that armed Maoist cadres could carry out flash attacks targeting security forces and public representatives. There are also reports that Maoists are planning to damage the public property.