Maoist Killed In Exchange Of Fire In Bolangir, Combing Upscaled

After a brief lull, an exchange of fire was reported between security personnel and Red rebels in Bolangir district. As per sources, a Maoist cadre has been killed in the encounter in the forest near Khaprakhol block. The naxal has been identified as Shankar, a key member of the Bolangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund division of the left wing extremists.

As per reports, a team of the Bolangir Police along with the District Voluntary Force (DVF) had launched a combing operation on Saturday after getting information regarding the presence of some Maoists in the area.

Director General (DG) of Police, Abhay on Sunday said that the Ultras first resorted to firing on the security personnel and in the retaliation a naxal was killed.

“As the operation was carried out in night, we suspect that there were six to eight naxals who managed to escape from the spot. Already combing operations are continuing in the region,” said Abhay.

As a small team carried out the operation within short span of getting input, we will take appropriate steps for felicitation of the members of the team, said the DGP.

The top cop further informed that there has already been a sharp decline in the Left Wing Extremism in the State. As there is still some presence in Bolangir, Bargarh, we have already deployed CRPF, SOG, DVF forces apart from strengthening police stations in these areas.

“The area of influence of Maoists and their followers has registered a sharp decline in Odisha. We appeal the Maoists to shun the path of violence and return to the mainstream,” the DGP added.