Maoists allegedly involved in killing of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi neutralised in an encounter with security forces

Two maoists who were allegedly involved in the killing of BJP MLA Bhima Mandvi were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday. Furnishing details of the incident, the police said that the neutralised Maoists were involved in the attack in Dantewada district which occurred just a day ahead of the first phase of elections. The skirmish took place in the morning on Thursday at a forest in Daulikarka village when a team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) was out on an anti-Maoist operation, Deputy Inspector General Sundarraj P told PTI.

READ: BJP Chief Amit Shah Alleges Political Conspiracy Behind Maoist Attack In Dantewada, Chhattisgarh Which Killed BJP MLA Bheema Mandvi, Demands CBI Probe

He added: "When the patrolling team was advancing through Daulikarka, located around 450 km from the location, an exchange of fire broke out between the two sides. After the guns fell silent, bodies of two ultras and a 315-bore gun were recovered from the spot. Besides, a militia member of Maoist was found injured at the spot and was later shifted to a local hospital.

Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallava said that the killed cadres were identified as Vargese and Linga and were allegedly involved in the ambush in which Mandavi and his four security personnel were killed on April 10. Terming it as a major achievement, he said the Maoists were allegedly planning another IED attack.

Following the incident search operations are underway in the region, the police added. 

(with inputs from agencies)

READ: Two Days After BJP MLA Bheema Mandvi's Killing In Dantewada Maoist Attack, His Family Sets An Example As They Go Out To Cast Vote