Encounter in Wayanad: Search continues for absconding Maoists; aide held in Koyilandy

Wayanad: Police have reportedly taken two Maoists into custody and the search for two women who fled the scene is progressing in the forest area under the Thalappuzha police station on Friday night. Chandru and Unnimaya have been taken under custody by the police. The authorities have confiscated two AK-47 rifles and a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) from the gang.

Meanwhile, Sundhai and Latha, managed to escape from the place. It is reported that one of them sustained an injury during the incident.

The exchange of fire happened around 10: 30 p.m. The four-member Maoist gang was collecting food and other things from a house at Chapparam colony in Periya. The Maoist gang had earlier instructed the family to buy certain things for them. Householder Aneesh said that the firing happened when the group was about to return with the things. 

The house was significantly damaged in the crossfire, compounding the hardships faced by the family members who were already under the command of Maoists. Present at the house during the incident were Aneesh's mother, brother, wife, and their two-year-old child.

Meanwhile, police have nabbed a Tamil Nadu native who allegedly aided the Maoists. The person was nabbed from Koyilandy. He was taken to special anti-Maoist operation headquarters in Malappuram.