**Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, September 5, 2024**: In a major operation by Telangana’s elite anti-Maoist force, Greyhounds, six Maoists were killed during an encounter in the dense forests near Niladri Peta, spanning the Gundala and Karakagudem mandals of Bhadradri Kothagudem district. The encounter occurred on Thursday, with the security forces engaging members of the CPI (Maoist) from the Manuguru Palvancha Area Committee.Among those killed was **Kunja Veeraiah**, alias **Lacchanna**, a 43-year-old native of Raigudem in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. Lacchanna held the rank of Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) and was the Secretary of the Manuguru Local Guerrilla Squad (LGS). He was found with an AK-47 rifle and a Motorola walkie-talkie. His wife, **Punam Lakke**, alias **Tulasi**, also a Maoist leader, was killed in the crossfire. Tulasi, a native of Pombad village in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh, held the rank of Area Committee Member (ACM) and Commander. She too was armed with an AK-47.The four other Maoists killed were identified as **Kavvasi Ramu**, a native of Alluri Seetarama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh; **Shukram**, a native of Cherla; **Sodi Boman**, a native of Chhattisgarh; and **Sodi Kasi**, a platoon member. All four held ACM ranks within the Maoist cadre.The encounter took place in the early hours when the Maoist group, led by Lacchanna, was moving through the region. According to sources, they had migrated from Chhattisgarh and had been operating in the Manuguru area for some time. During the gun battle, a Greyhounds constable was seriously injured.This encounter marks a significant development in the ongoing operations against Maoist activity in Telangana. The region has seen frequent Maoist movements, and security forces have intensified their efforts to counter the growing threat. Authorities remain on high alert as additional Maoist cadres are suspected to be active in the surrounding areas.