A Maoist was shot dead by the security forces in an encounter in Turekela block of the district on Friday evening. Sources said the encounter took place in Dandel reserve area between Khujen and Badokla under Turekela police station.
The police seized two .303 guns from the deceased Maoist. Balangir SP R Prakash said the Maoist was shot dead during the exchange of fire in the deep forest. Nobody from the police was injured in the incident.
A massive combing operation has been launched by the security forces in this area to nab the Maoists.
This is the second incident in the area. Two years back, a woman Maoist was killed in Khaprakhol forest area by the SOG during a gun battle. The Red ultras have become active in the area for last few years. They are pasting posters, distributing leaflets and even killing people who are not obeying their diktats. Two days back, some Maoist posters had appeared in Kantabanji and Titilagarh areas of the district.