Malkangiri: A Maoist cadre was shot dead and another sustained injuries during an exchange of fire with security forces in a dense forest in Odisha's Malkangiri district on Thursday, police said. There are no reports of any casualty or injury to police personnel during the firing.
Acting on a tip-off, a team of security personnel and police launched a raid in the Jantri forest under Swabhiman Anchal of the district early in the day. As the security personnel approached their hideout, the red rebels opened fire and a gun battle ensued, leading to the death of one Maoist. Another Maoist has been injured in the operation, said Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Abhay.
A huge cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifle and explosives, were seized from the area, the DGP said.
The Odisha DGP has appreciated the combing operations and lauded the forces acting in tandem in the LWE areas. "There was an exchange of fire between Security forces and Maoists today in Swabhiman Anchal. The dead body of One Maoist with AK 47 has been recovered and one injured Maoist is being evacuated. Security force personnel are safe. Well done security forces," the DGP said in a tweet.
As per latest reports, the combing operation is still underway in the area, police said.
Earlier this month, a joint team of BSF, SOG and DVF of Malkangiri recovered ammunition, hand grenades, landmines and other incriminating materials of Maoists following an operation in Arapadar-Andrapalli of Swabhiman Anchal.