Two Maoists gunned down by security forces in Chhattisgarh

Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh): Two senior hardcore Maoists were shot dead after a gunfight in Chhattisgarh`s Sukma district on Saturday morning, police said.

Inspector General of Police, Bastar, S.R.P. Kalluri and Sukma Superintent of Police I.K. Alesala said that a police patrol led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Harish Yadav had left Konta police station when it came under fire from hiding Maoists in a forested area near Gangraj Parh village.

Police retaliated and the gunfight lasted for nearly an hour before rebels broke off and retreated into the deep jungles.

During a search of the area, police found the bodies of two rebels clad in uniform, of which one was identified as Jantana `government` president R.P. Singh and the other as skilled arms-maker Sunnam Tati.

Officials also said a gun, gun-making implements, Maoist banners and literature and some items of daily use were also found from the site.