Explosives, Maoist articles seized in Kandhamal

Phulbani: The police on Saturday seized explosives and other Maoist articles during a combing operation in Dangarijori hill forest under Gochhapada police station limits in Kandhamal district.

Reports said the police had carried out a combing operation in the area on Friday evening following information about the presence of 20-30 Maoists in Dangarijori hill forest. During the combing operation, the Red Rebels opened fire at the police, who retaliated.

During the exchange of fire lasting more than two hours, the Maoists managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

As the firing stopped in the night, police began a fresh combing operation in the area this morning and seized eight IED packets, six detonators, a solar plate, batteries, uniforms and blankets from inside the forest.

Till reports last came in, the combing operation was continuing in the area.