Top Maoist leader killed in forest encounter
Security forces in Andhra Pradesh have taken out three major Maoist leaders during an encounter in the Maredumilli forest.
The group included Gajarla Ravi, a top strategist for the Maoists's Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC), along with Raavi Venkata Lakshmi Chaitanya and Anju.
Teams from the state Greyhounds, CRPF, and Chhattisgarh police worked together on this operation.
Deaths of these leaders major blows to Maoists
The gunfight broke out near Kintukuru village after intel tipped off police about a large Maoist presence.
Three bodies were found at the scene, while others managed to escape—so search operations are still ongoing.
Ravi had a ₹25 lakh bounty and was key to AOBSZC's plans; Aruna (with a ₹20 lakh reward) led their women's wing.
Their deaths are seen as big blows to Maoist activities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
In a related move, security forces also neutralized two more Maoists on the Chhattisgarh border as part of efforts to weaken the group across the region.