Security Forces, Maoists Exchange Fire In Odisha; Rebel Detained, 2 Weapons Seized

Kandhamal: A cadre of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) was detained after an exchange of fire between the security forces and the Red rebels in Kandhamal district on Sunday.

As per reports, the gunfight took place near Gochhapada Bireni forest in Phulbani. Two country-made weapons, 1 radio, medicines and other articles used by the Maoists have been recovered.

Sources said a team of the SOG and DVF jawans had conducted a raid after getting information about the presence of some Maoists in a camp in the dense forest.

#Kandhamal: Exchange of fire takes place between ultras & joint team of SOG & DVF in Gochhapada Bireni forest. Security personnel capture a militia & his interrogation underway. 2 country-made guns, radio, medicines, food items seized during combing operation on the Maoist camp

— OTV (@otvnews) December 20, 2020

Initially, the ultras opened fire after spotting the cops thereby prompting the jawans to retaliate with gunshots. As per reports, eight to 10 left-wing extremists managed to escape from the spot. The escaped cadres are believed to the members of the KKBN division of the Maoists.

A massive combing operation has been launched in the region, informed Kandhamal SP Vinit Agarwal.

On December 17, armed Maoists axed a contractor to death at Golia area under the Mathili police limits in Malkangiri district. The rebels had also torched three vehicles including the SUV of the deceased contractor Sukumar Mandal.

The Maoists executed the killing to make their presence felt in the region. The ultras were also opposing the construction of the road in the region.

On December 14, Director General (DG) of Police Abhay visited Malkangiri’s Swabhiman Anchal (cut off area) to review the progress of anti-Naxal operations in the region.