Hawk Force Strikes: Naxal Encounter in Mandla Forests

The Hawk Force of Madhya Pradesh police engaged in a deadly encounter with Naxalites in the Mandla district, resulting in one Maoist killed and two accomplices captured. Intelligence had indicated Naxal presence, prompting a decisive police operation. The rebel group is linked to the MCC zone in the region.

The anti-Naxal Hawk Force of Madhya Pradesh police successfully engaged in a critical encounter with Maoists in the tribal-dominated Mandla district. The operation left one insurgent dead and two captured amid intense gunfire on Sunday.

Officials report that the clash erupted after intelligence indicated a Naxal presence near Kanha National Park, prompting police to launch a search and ambush operation. Despite a call for surrender, the Maoists opened fire, prompting Hawk Force to retaliate.

Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased Maoist, while captured accomplices Ashok Kumar Valko and Santosh Kumar Dhurve have been arrested. The Maoist group operates within the region's MCC zone, with further combing operations underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)