Two Maoists killed in encounter with security personnel in Orissa

At least two Maoists were today killed and a security personnel was injured in an encounter between the rebels and security forces in Orissa's Sundargarh district, police said.

The exchange of fire took place during a joint combing operation by CRPF and Orissa's elite anti-naxal Special Operation Group (SOG) at Chirubeda in Saranda forest area, 30 kms from here, additional superintendent of police Ramachandra Panda said.

Maoists present in the forest under Bisra police station limit opened fire at the security personnel who retaliated, he said, adding two ultras were killed in the gunbattle that ensued while the rest fled.

The bodies of the rebels were still lying inside the forest, he said.

An SOG constable, Bhabagrahi Nayak (28), sustained a bullet injury and was undergoing treatment in hospital. He is out of danger, he said.

A rifle and a motor-cycle were recovered from the site, the ASP said.