Police, Maoists exchange fire in Kandhamal

Kandhamal: An exchange of fire took place between Maoists and security personnel inside Ladapadar forest under Gochhapada area of the district on Monday, police said.

The incident took place in the wee hours of Monday when a combing operation by the security forces was underway.

“A group of Red rebels started firing indiscriminately on our forces during the operation. The forces retaliated, but no injury has been reported on either side so far,” Kandhamal SP Kanwar Bishal Singh said.

“The exchange of fire continued for 15-20 minutes,” the official mentioned.

A small amount of ammunition has been seized from a camp which is believed to be their temporary hideout.

“Details can only be known after the team returns,” Singh noted.

“We are searching the area and examining the seized goods for more information on their activities,” he stated.