Two Maoists killed in Orissa

Two Maoist guerrillas were killed in a gun battle with the police in Orissa's Malkangiri district, authorities said on Monday.

The rebels were spotted carrying a hand grenade in a bag during a security check on Sunday evening on the outskirts of Malkangiri, 620 km from state capital Bhubaneswar.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjeeb Kumar Panda said the two guerrillas escaped into a nearby forest where they were shot dead.

He said two 9 mm pistols were also seized.

Police suspect the rebels planned to attack policemen in the wake of a two-day bandh call they have given in five states, including Orissa from Monday.