Dantewada: A reward carrying Naxal leader was slain in an encounter with security personnel in Dantewada district, said, police officials. The deceased is identified as Lakhma Kawasi, a resident of Katekalyan, police added. The police have reportedly recovered a 9mm pistol, a 5 kg IED and essential supplies during a search operation post-encounter.

“The encounter took place near the jungles of Tumakpal village under Katekalyan police station. A team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) was out on a counter-insurgency operation when the Maoists opened fire and the encounter began. After the gunfight, the police recovered a body from the spot,” Inspector General of Police, Bastar range, Sunderaj P said.

Kasawi reportedly was an active platoon commander of the Dharba division of CPI.