Dantewada: A Local Organisation Squad (LOS) member, carrying cash reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head, was gunned down by security forces in an encounter with the ultras in insurgency-hit Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. 

According to the police, a team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) engaged in anti-naxal operation entered into an encounter with ultras in the forest of Hiroli falling in limits of Kirandul police station. 

The naxals in the area, said police sources, is trying the revive its cadre in the area and planning a recruitment process, which has been under the radar of security. The LOS member was also trying to recruit local people who can support naxalism in the area. 

According to police, the naxal leader killed in the encounter was allegedly involved in an IED blast that killed BJP MLA Bhima Mandavi in April this year.

Unable to withstand the retaliatory action launched by security personnel, ultras fled the spot. While undertaking search at the spot of encounter, the DRG troopers recovered the body of a slain naxal, who has been identified as Guddi, a member of Local Organisation Squad of Malangir Area Committee of Maoists. A revolver, live cartridges and other stuff were also recovered from the encounter site.

During the course of the investigation, it was learnt by police that over dozens of criminal cases were pending against the slain naxal.