Maoists, SOG exchange fire in Kandhamal

Kandhamal: An exchange of fire occurred between the Maoists and Special Operations Group (SOG) jawans near Lankagarh village under Belaghar police limits here on late on Wednesday night.

According to sources, the gun battle took place while the SOG jawans were conducting raid at the Maoist camp. The exchange of fire continued for one and half hours, the sources added.

The SOG jawans seized huge cash of explosives, arms and ammunition and old currency notes from the Maoist camp.

Talking to newsmen, Inspector General of Police, Southern Range, Amitabh Thakur, said, “Acting on tipoff about a Maoist camp at Lankagarh panchayat, SOG jawans conducted an operation in the area. Seeing the security personnel, around 20-25 Maoists, who were present there, started firing at them. In retaliation, SOG personnel also fired at them. The gun battle continued for around one and half hours.”

“We have intensified the search operation in the area as the Maoists have fled the spot following the fire exchange. Besides, we are in contact with neighbouring districts,” Thakur added.

"During the search operation, the SOG personnel have seized some arms and ammunitions, explosives, some Maoist articles and old currency notes from the spot,” Thakur informed.

Also read: Maoists torch contractor camp in Jeypore; one killed

Meanwhile, some Maoist posters, asking people to observe martyr’s week from December 8 to 16, were found from Pallimala and Tanla square under Belapada block in Bolangir district.

According to reports, the posters have been placed by the members of Bolangir-Bargarh Mahasamunda division protesting various developmental policies of the Central government.