Ananya Padhihary

A joint team of Special Operation Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF) has busted a Maoists’ camp in a forest area under Bhawanipatna Sadar Police limits after a gun battle with the red rebels.

Acting on an intelligence input, the team conducted a combing operation in Bhawanipatna Forest Range on November 7, to flush out the rebels from their hideout. During the operation, an exchange of fire took place between Maoists and security forces. When the insurgents resorted to indiscriminate firing after spotting the police, the security personnel had no choice but to retaliate in self-defense.

However, the ultras managed to flee the spot, taking advantage of the dense forest and hilly terrain, said Dr. Saravana Vivek M, Superintendent of Police, Kalahandi District.

Later the area was thoroughly searched and during the search, one rifle, live ammunition, explosives, tent materials including medicines and other Maoist articles were recovered, informed the SP.

However, no fatalities have been reported during the gun battle.

Earlier on October 12, at least three Maoists including two women cadres were gunned down in an exchange of fire with the security forces in Malkangiri.

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