Maoists, police exchange fire at Kurup jungle

Acting on a tip-off, in a joint operation by Odisha police and Andhra police cracked down on the camps of banned outfit hiding in Kurug jungle under Kalimela police limits, which triggered a heavy exchange of fire from both sides. 

These leftwing ultras involved in the explosion of Miliguda Panchayat building, destruction of liquor shops in Padia gaon and infiltration into the houses of Constables and SPO there, police informed. 

The encounter assumes greater significance in view of the increasing Maoists related violence in the district. However, no casualty was reported from the exchange of fire.

On the other hand, the ‘bandh’ on Saturday called by the Maoists in protest against the arrest of Maoist leader Azad’s wife Sunita alias Lalita Pata Majhi from Bhubaneswar evoked lukewarm response in the State with partial impact in Naxal affected districts.

While some private buses were seen plying along various routes in the Maoist-hit district, government buses remained off the road or were diverted.

Life in towns remained normal, while Daringbadi, Brahmanigan, Singanbadi and few other Maoist-infested areas were affected as business establishments and shops remained closed.