Red rebels, security forces exchange fire in Kandhamal; woman Maoist neutralised

A female Maoist cadre was killed in an exchange of fire with security personnel in Sindhi forest under Baliguda police limits of Kandhamal district. 

The encounter took place during a combing operation launched by the Special Operations Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF) following input that a Maoist camp was positioned in the forest. 

When the combing team, acting on the tip-off, carried out search operations in the forest, a group of Maoists opened fire at them. The security personnel fired in retaliation and the exchange of fire continued for several hours. 

After the encounter, the security squads conducted further search and found the body of the woman Maoist and a gun. However, about 20 Maoists reportedly fled the spot. 

While the identity of the slain Maoist has not been established yet, it was learnt that the camp was organised by the CPI (Maoists) of Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division.

Speaking about the encounter, Kandhamal SP Vinit Agrawal said, “An exchange of fire between Maoists and security forces occurred in the evening on Monday. As per the latest information, a woman cadre has been neutralised and further operation is underway. Combing and search operations have been intensified in the area. The operation was carried out on the basis of reliable information. All the security forces are safe.” 

Reported by Trinath Sahu, OTV