Malkangiri: A man leading an anti-Maoist campaign at the Silakuta village under Padia police limits in Malkangiri district was today shot at by rebels.The youth identified as Mangulu, is battling for his life at the Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).
"He has received bullet injury on his left thigh and his condition continues to be critical," informed the doctors attending him.
According to reports, a group of armed rebels barged into Manglu's house late last night and fired at him leaving him unconscious. Members of the outlawed outfit, believing him to be dead, fled the spot.
“Mangulu, once a rebel himself, had quit the outfit four years ago and ever since, engaged himself in creating awareness against Maoist activities in the region. He would try to counsel the ultras and convince them to surrender before police," informed a villager.
In a related development, security forces busted a Maoist camp in Dayapada forest under Orkel police limits in the district on Sunday.
Acting on a tip-off, a team of BSF officials posted at Kudumulugumma conducted search operation in the area. A huge cache of arms including two guns, live bullets, detonator, guillotine, posters and other Maoist items were seized from the camp.However, more than 10 red rebels present at time of raid managed to escape the spot, sources said.