Malappuram collector to probe Maoists encounter incident

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI(M)-led LDF government in the State Monday said the Malappuram District Collector would conduct the magisterial probe into the recent encounter killing of two Maoists at Nilambur forests.

The Chief Minister's Office said in a Facebook post that the Malappuram Collector would probe the incident and submit a report in this regard, instead of Perinthalmanna Sub-Collector as informed earlier.

Two Maoists - Kuppuswamy Devaraj (65), a central committee member of the outlawed outfit and Ajitha (45), were killed in an encounter with police in Nilambur forests in Malappuram district on November 24.

A Crime Branch probe had also been ordered by DGP Loknath Behara into the incident.

According to police, the Maoists had opened fire at a patrolling party following which police retaliated, killing the two.