Maoist AOB SZC Spokesperson Jagan killed in encounter in Andhra Pradesh

Jagan carried a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh on his head while Ramesh carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the spot.

Kothagudem: CPI (Maoist) Party Andhra Odisha Border (AOB) Special Zonal Committee Spokesperson Kakuri Pandanna alias Jagan (60) was killed in an encounter with security forces in the forests of Dumakonda-Gangakonda in ASR district in Andhra Pradesh.

ASR district Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar in a statement informed that based on inputs over presence of Maoists in the area security forces carried out combing operations on Wednesday. During the operations Maoists fired at the police party and the police had to retaliate.

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The Maoist divisional committee Vaga Podiami alias Ramesh (51) was also killed in the encounter. Jagan carried a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh on his head while Ramesh carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the spot.

Jagan hails from Kommulawada of Gudemkothaveedhi mandal in ASR district. According to police a team of 15 Maoists led by Jagan along with Maoists Aruna and Gajarla Ravi were moving in the AOB area for the past couple of months in the area.

It might be recalled that on April 29 an exchange of fire took place in Kakulamamidi-Kantaram forests in Koyyuru mandal between the police and Maoists. Though no casualties were reported in that incident, police recovered an SLR rifle from the spot.