Security forces on Monday killed one person in an operation in the outskirts of Hyderabad in Telangana, while another managed to escape. The encounter had begun in the Millennium Township of Shadnagar on Monday morning, with the security forces — consisting of personnel from the Telangana Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) — bringing in heavy reinforcements.
The person killed in the encounter has since been identified as one Naeem, a "Most Wanted" gangster in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Police sources said an AK-47 assault rifle and a pistol have been recovered from him.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Rama Rajeshwari later said the local police had been contacted over some inputs received by the security agencies, and a team had come to the spot to verify the details provided in the inputs.
The suspects were said to be in a car. "The moment they saw police team, the man driving the Endeavour [vehicle] stopped the car, opened fire and ran away," the SP said. "The person who was sitting in the car also opened fire at the police team," who retaliated in "self defence."
The search for the driver is currently underway, said Rajeshwari, adding: "We will register a case on the exchange of fire, and depending on whatever evidence comes forth."
Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, meanwhile, warned people against speculating about the incident. "Its a serious matter that our security forces are engaging with the militants," he said outside Parliament, adding: "We should not speak anything, or speculate when an incident is going on."
Visuals from the location showed personnel from the security forces taking refuge behind cars, trees and walls as the encounter was underway. Otherwise, the area had mostly been cleared out.
