Naxal commander killed in encounter with police

Raipur: A Naxalite commander carrying a reward of Rs one lakh on his head was killed in an encounter with police in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Sukma district
this morning, police said.

The 'black uniform-clad' Naxalite, identified as Kartam Deva, was gunned down in the encounter that took place in the forest near Burumapad village, Sukma District Superintendent
of Police D Shravan told PTI over phone.

A joint team of District Police Force and Special Task Force had been sent for patrolling in the Kistaram police station area based on a tip-off.

When the team was moving in the forest under Burumapad village, the Naxals attacked the police personnel, he said.

In retaliation, the policemen also fired at the ultras. The face-off continued for some time after which the Naxals fled from the area, Shravan said.

Later, during a search of the spot, police found the body of the Naxalite.

Four loaded guns, detonator and other material were recovered from the spot.

The horns and skin of a deer were also seized from the place, the SP said.

The deceased Naxalite was a Jan-militia platoon commander and carried a reward of Rs one lakh on his head, he said.

The police force is deployed in the area and a search is on for the Naxals, he added.