18 maoists were killed in an encounter with a combined team of AP and Odisha police near Jantri in Malkangiri district of Odisha, a few km away from the border with AP, in the early hours of Monday.  Two Greyhounds personnel were also injured in the encounter.

Key Maoist leaders of the regiment have reportedly been killed and police have seized ammunition and weapons. It is suspected that top leaders like Gajarla Ravi alias Uday, Bengal Sudheer and Anil were present in the area during the encounter. The ultras were said to be resting after a meeting when the encounter took place.

Superintendent of Police Rahul Dev Sharma told that it was a joint operation between the Greyhounds of AP and Odisha police. A few top leaders of the Maoist party might be among the dead, but it would take some time to confirm the same, Mr. Sharma said. A DSP rank officer was injured in the encounter.