Two Maoists killed in encounter with security forces in Odisha
Berhampur (Odisha) (PTI): At least two Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in a forest along the Ganjam-Kandhamal border in Odisha on Sunday, a police officer said.
The encounter took place in Karada forest area within the jurisdiction of Raikia police station in Kandhamal district, SP Harisha BC said.
The deceased have been identified as Jagesh, an area committee member, and Rashmi, a party member of the CPI (Maoists).
According to police, both had a combined bounty of Rs 27.50 lakh on their heads.
Belonging to the Kalahandi Kandhamal Boudh Nayagarh (KKBN) division of the CPI (Maoists), the deceased were very active in the district and allegedly involved in several violent incidents, police added.
Several weapons and items were seized by the security personnel from the spot, the SP said.
He said no police personnel sustained injuries in the encounter.
The encounter took place when the Maoists opened fire on the security forces, which had been conducting an anti-Maoist operation in the area over the past two days following a tip-off.
Around nine to ten ultras were present, but only two to three fired at the security forces, police said.
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Kerala court sentences 20-year-old man in minor girl rape case
Kollam (Kerala) (PTI): A Kerala court has sentenced a 20-year-old man to 21 years of imprisonment for raping a minor girl after befriending her on a social media app.
Karunagappally Fast Track Special Court judge Rajeevan Vachal sentenced the convict to 21 years under the relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, special public prosecutor (SPP) N C Premchandran said.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1.1 lakh on the convict, the prosecutor said.
The incident occurred in 2024 when the accused befriended her on a social media app and then offered to take her to the Azheekal beach here.
However, instead of taking her to the beach, he took her to an isolated place behind the CHC hospital at Mynagappally here and raped her, the SPP said.
Following the incident, the girl attempted suicide, but was saved and then told the doctors what had happened, the prosecutor said.
The hospital authorities informed the police, who registered a case and launched an investigation.
The prosecutor said that seven witnesses were examined and 20 documents were submitted before the court to substantiate the guilt of the accused.
