2 PLFI members killed, 5 hurt in crossfire

Rourkela, Feb 9 (PTI) At least two members of the People s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) were today killed during an exchange of fire between security personnel and rebels at Sorada forest in Sundergarh district of Odisha.

The incident took place early this morning when the members of the District Volunteer Force (DVF), Sundergarh Police, were on search operation in view of the ensuing panchayat polls in the area.

"At least two members of the PLFI died during the 30 minute encounter. We suspect some other rebels have also sustained injuries," IG, Western Range, R K Sharma told reporters.

"Circumstantial evidences suggest that some four to five members of the group were injured in the gun battle, IG said.

Two police officials also received minor injuries in the encounter, he said.

The police have seized huge amount of arms from the PLFI camp, the IG said.

Stating that the security forces had definite information about the movement of the PLFI cadre, Sharma said about 15 rebels were in the camp inside the jungle.

Sharma said the police team retaliated when the PLFI members opened fire on them.

The police recovered one AK-47, one point 303 rifle, seven single barrel guns, one revolver and one SLR, Sharma said adding that the police also seized three magazines of AK-47, 194 live cartridges, 45 mobile phones and one tablet, dresses, shoes, PLFI literature, some empty cartridges, medicines and other articles of daily use and food materials from the spot.

Sharma said the Odisha Police was in touch with its Jharkhand counterpart to establish the identity of the two slain PLFI cadre.