29 Maoists killed in biggest encounter

Top commanders among the dead in the joint operation by the BSF and DRG days ahead of Lok Sabha elections

- EJAZ KAISER

SECURITY forces on Tuesday gunned down 29 Maoists, including senior cadre of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), in the biggest encounter in the history of Chhattisgarh. Officials said the Left-wing extremists were killed in an exchange of fire with the security forces at the inhospitable hilly terrain of Kalpad in Kanker - one of the seven Maoist-affected districts in Chhattisgarh.

Three security personnel were injured in the fierce gun battle and a large quantity of weapons was recovered from the spot, officials said.

The action by the security forces comes days before the commencement of the first phase of Lok Sabha elections.