TOP NAXAL LEADER SHANKAR RAO AMONG 29 KILLED IN MAJOR ENCOUNTER IN CHHATTISGARH: REPORTS
NEW DELHI: In possibly the biggest anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh, at least 29 Naxalites were neutralised by security personnel on Tuesday in Kanker district.
Several media reports have stated that top Maoist commander Shankar Rao was among those killed in the raging gun battle between the Naxal forces and a joint team of the District Reserve Guards and the Border Security Force. There has been no official confirmation about Rao's death.
Inspector General of Police (Bastar) P P Sundarraj, however, said that the operation was launched "after information was received of the presence of senior naxals Shankar, Lalita, and Raju".
The Naxal leader Shankar Rao had a reward of Rs 25 lakh on his head, police said.
A large amount of arms and ammunition was also recovered, including 7 AK rifles and 3 light machine guns.
Three security personnel were also injured during the gunfight.
(With inputs from agencies)