A gunfight erupted in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, with security forces engaged in a fierce encounter with terrorists. The incident follows an earlier ceasefire violation in the Akhnoor area, where a BSF jawan was injured by Pakistani troops.
Two suspected Maoists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Odisha’s Boudh district on Thursday morning, according to police reports. This incident occurred while the state prepares for simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for May 13, 20, 25, and June 1. The encounter took place in the Parhel reserve forest area, resulting in the recovery of the Maoists’ bodies and the seizure of explosives and arms, including an under barrel grenade launcher. The identities of the deceased are under investigation with the assistance of surrendered rebels. One additional Maoist was injured during the confrontation. This incident marks the eighth such occurrence in Boudh within the past four months. Odisha has recorded a notable number of Maoist-related incidents between 2019 and 2023, including 154 incidences of violence, 71 exchanges of fire, and the deaths of 42 Maoists. However, 63 Maoists have also surrendered their arms during this period.
Nazim, a 23-year-old man wanted for murder, was arrested near Noida after a gunfight with the police. The accused, who carried a reward of Rs 25,000 on his arrest, suffered injuries during the encounter and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Nazim and his associates had allegedly shot dead a liquor salesman on March 31. The incident took place near Ek Murti Chowk in the Bisrakh police station area, where the police had set up a checkpoint. When the accused, who was on a motorcycle, was gestured to stop for enquiry, he sped away while opening fire on the police team, leading to a chase and gunfight. Two other accused in the liquor salesman’s murder case have already been arrested, and further legal proceedings are underway, the police added.
