Balaghat (MP): A Maoist carrying a reward of Rs 12 lakh was neutralised by Hawk Force personnel on Sunday during an encounter within a forest in Malajkhand Police Station limits of this district bordering Left-wing extremism-affected Chhattisgarh, law-enforcement authorities confirmed.
The action followed a tip-off that about 25 rebels had reached Harratola village with the motive of looting ration and other items of daily use. The ultras were asked to surrender but opened fire. The personnel retaliated resulting in the insurgents fleeing under jungle cover. A search led to seizure of the corpse of KB Division’s Rupesh alias Hunga who was a resident of Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district. A rifle, ration and Naxal literature were appropriated.
The bounty had been jointly announced by the dispensations of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.