Saturday, January 15 2005 18:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Hyderabad: In a spurt in naxalite violence dealing a severe blow to peace talks, six extremists were killed in two separate encounters with police in Prakasam and Mahaboobnagar districts while a Congress sarpanch was gunned down by Maoists in Karimnagar district today (Jan 15, 2005).

Three naxalites, including a woman, were killed in an exchange of fire with a police patrol party near Chintala village in Prakasam district, police sources said.

The police recovered five rifles, five claymore mines and some kitbags from the spot.

In another incident in Mahaboobnagar district, three ultras died in an encounter with police at Pakkalingayapally village, police said.

In a first incident targeting a ruling party functionary since Congress took over the reins eight months ago, naxalites of Janasakthi group gunned down sarpanch Rajalingaiah (55) at Rudrangi village in Karimnagar district.