A Maoist leader was killed during an encounter between Maoists and the Thunderbolts wing of the Kerala Police at a resort in Wayanad on Wednesday night, Manorama News reported. It is learnt that the shoot-out occurred at a private resort along the National Highway and two Maoists suffered injuries.
One of them later succumbed to his injuries, it was learnt.
The deceased has been identified as Maoist leader C.P. Jaleel. Two cops were also injured in the shoot-out.
Maoist leader C.P. Jaleel killed in an encounter with Kerala police in Vythiri last night | ANI Twitter
A five-member Maoist gang had approached the owner of Upavan Resort on Kozhikode-Bengaluru Highway on Wednesday in an extortion bid. However, when the staff refused to give in, the Maoists took some of the people at the resort hostage, and demanded money and food for 10 people.
The resort staff informed the police and a team of Thunderbolts soon rushed to the spot and a shoot-out ensued around 8pm. The entire area was cordoned off as a fierce gunfights ensued at Vythiri.
Some Maoists fled into the forest amid the gunfire. More commandos and police officers were rushed to the area.
Tension prevailed around the resort and the police moved people at nearby restaurants and resorts to safety.
The traffic along the NH-766, that connects Kozhikode to Mysuru, was temporarily blocked as the encounter continued inside the resort late into the night. The power supply to the area was cut.
Security was also provided to other hotels and resorts in the locality. The police directed the residents to stay indoors.
Earlier, the Maoists used to approach secluded houses for food and in the process, discussed political propaganda with the residents. Maoist presence was reported from nearby Sugandhagiri and Petukunnu. Maoists have been frequently visiting Thamarassery, Kodancheri and Thiruvambadi.
Recently, some were seen with guns in and around Wayanad. Even then, the police did not anticipate such an intense encounter with the Maoists.
