Two women Maoists gunned down in Odisha, high-quality rifle seized

As many as two women Maoists were gunned down by the security forces during a gun battle in Phulbani’s Gochapada area on Tuesday. 

As per reports, based on intelligence inputs, an operation was launched by Kandhamal District Police in the Matakupa Reserve Forest area. An exchange of fire took place between Maoists and SOG teams on the border of Gochhapada Police Station Limit in Kandhamal and Kantamal Police Station limit of Boudh. 

Later, during search operation in the area, one INSAS rifle, 11 bullets, and explosives were recovered from the neutralised female Maoist cadres in uniform. 

Following the seizure, it is suspected that the Maoists were planning a major attack.

“We have successfully neutralised two women cadres. We have recovered two bodies and four firearms. Among the recovered weapons, we have found a high-quality rifle,” said Sunil Bansal, Police DG. 

The DG further informed that the process of identifying the bodies is underway. “As it seems, the neutralised female Maoists held top positions,” he added.

Following the encounter, combing operation in the area has been intensified. 

It is pertinent to mention here that earlier on November 11, two female Maoists were neutralised by security forces in Balangir’s Gandhamardhan Mountain. The Maoists had a bounty of Rs 4 lakh each and they hailed from Chhattisgarh. As many as five female cadres have been gunned down in the last three months.