10 Naxals killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh

way2barak, 12 September: Modem Bala Krishna, a senior leader of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and Central Committee Member (CCM), was suspected to be among 9 other Maoists killed in a fierce gun battle with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Gariyaband district on Thursday.

Bala Krishna, also known by his aliases Balanna, Ramachandar and Bhaskar, had been one of the longest-serving figures in the Maoist organisation. He was the secretary of the Odisha State Regional Committee (ORSC) and a member of the party’s Central Committee, having joined the movement in 1983.

“ Bala Krishna is likely to be among those killed in the encounter. The identification of the bodies will be carried out once they reach Gariyaband district headquarters,” said senior police officer, overviewing the anti-naxal operation.

Inspector General of Police, Raipur Range, Amresh Mishra said that based on intelligence inputs about the presence of a Central Committee member and his team in the jungles of Gariyaband, a joint force was dispatched on Wednesday night.

“On Thursday, the bodies were found after the gunfight stopped. We are yet to confirm the identity of those killed. The bodies will be brought back on Friday,” the IG said.

According to police, the encounter began in the aftrenoon in the forests under Mainpur police station limits after teams of STF, CoBRA and district force launched the operation.

The exchange of fire continued intermittently through the day, and by evening the bodies of 10 Maoists, including Bala Krishna, were recovered from the spot.

“ Some other senior Maoists including Pramod alias Pandu are also suspected to be among those killed. Pandu was a state committee member of Odisha unit,” said a senior police officer.

On Wednesday, 16 Maoists surrendered in the state’s Narayanpur town, police said.

Bala Krishna’s killing marks another major blow to the Maoist central committee, which has already lost several senior leaders this year.