RAIPUR: Three Maoists, including two women were killed in encounter with security forces in forests of insurgency-hit Sukma district of Bastar division in Chhattisgarh on Sunday. The encounter took place between Bhejji–Chintagufa area- once worst affected Maoist region that saw major casualties of security personnel in past years.

Speaking to TOI, Sukma SP Kiran Chavan said that all the three Maoists were active as members of Konta Area Committee in Sukma region, believed to be involved in multiple incidents of violence in the region.“Three Maoists — two of them women — were killed in a fierce encounter with District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel in the dense forests between Bhejji and Chintagufa. Security forces had launched a coordinated search operation early in the morning following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of armed cadres of the Konta Area Committee. The Maoists opened fire on the advancing teams, triggering a heavy exchange that lasted several hours,” SP Chavan said. We remained in constant touch with the ground teams throughout the operation and now the encounter has concluded and teams are returning to base. Identities of those killed:Madvi Deva — Jan Militia Commander, sniper specialist, and member of the Area CommitteePodium Gangi — CNM CommanderSodi Gangi — Area Committee member from Kistaram (In-charge Secretary)