India, Feb. 23 -- In a major breakthrough in anti-Maoist operations, security forces in Odisha gunned down two Maoists, including a woman cadre, during an encounter in Raikia area of Kandhamal district.

Briefing the media, ADG (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda said the Maoists were killed during a combing operation inside the Nandabali Reserve Forest under Raikia police limits.

The deceased have been identified as Jagesh, deputy commander of the KKBM Maoist division, and Ratna, a woman cadre. Both were residents of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh.

Police said Jagesh carried a bounty of Rs22 lakh, while Ratna had a reward of Rs1.65 lakh on her head.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of the CRPF, Special Operations...