13 Maoists Killed in Maredumilli Encounters

Thirteen Maoists have been killed in a series of encounters with security forces over the past two days as part of Operation Sambhav, police said on Wednesday.

In the latest exchange of fire on Wednesday, between 5 a.m. and 5.45 a.m., police personnel, supported by the CRPF, engaged Maoists near a hill about 7.5 km from Maredumilli Police Station. Seven bodies were recovered, including four men and three women. Two of the deceased have been identified as Metturi Joga Rao and Jyothi, while the identities of the remaining five are being verified.

A cache of weapons and explosives was also seized at the site, including two AK-47 rifles with five magazines and 72 rounds of ammunition, five SBBL guns with 34 rounds, a .303 rifle with 24 rounds, three kilograms of cordex wire, 18 detonators, and several kitbags.

An earlier encounter in the same area on Tuesday had resulted in the deaths of six Maoists. With Wednesday’s operation, the total number of Maoists eliminated in Operation Sambhav stands at 13.

Speaking to thecoastaltimes.in, a senior police official said, “These operations were carried out following precise intelligence inputs. Our priority has been to neutralise the threat while ensuring minimal risk to civilians in the area.”

He added, “The recovered weapons and explosives indicate that the Maoists were planning further violent activities. This operation has dealt a significant blow to their network in the region.”

Local residents in nearby villages expressed relief at the outcome of the encounters. “We have lived under fear for many years,” said one villager. “It is reassuring to see the forces taking action to ensure our safety.” Police officials confirmed that patrolling and surveillance in the region would continue to prevent any resurgence of Maoist activity.