In a major blow to Maoists in Andhra Pradesh, two top leaders including Shakamuri Apparao -- facing charges of making attempts on the lives of two former Andhra Pradesh chief ministers -- were killed today in separate encounters in Prakasam and Warangal districts.
Apparao 47, a state committee member of the CPI(Maoist), who was allegedly involved in several high-profile cases including bids on the lives of former chief ministers N Chandrababu Naidu and N Janardhan Reddy, was killed in an encounter in Prakasam district.
Apparao alias Ravi was killed in an exchange of fire with police in the Nallamalla forest region at about 6 am today. Five other ultras managed to escape, police said.
Apparao, a native of Khanapur in Warangal district, was involved in over 40 cases across the state including the killing of IPS officer KS Vyas in Hyderabad, police said.
"It is a huge success against Maoists. Apparao in particular strongly carried out militia activities," a senior officer told PTI.
Policemen recovered an AK-47 rifle, two automatic guns, two kit bags and several cartridges lying near his body, he said.
Apparao, who carried a reward of Rs10 lakh on his head, joined the Naxal movement about 30 years ago and had a role in a number of attacks since 1981, the police officer said.
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