Two Maoists held, arms recovered in Ganjam

Berhampur: The Odisha Police on Saturday seized arms and explosives and nabbed two people during a raid on a Maoist camp near Salimagochha village under Badagada police limits of Ganjam district, said Superintendent of Police (SP) Asish Singh on Sunday.

"We have recovered nine kit bags, one SLR, explosives, two Claymore mines and personal belongings from the spot. Besides, we captured two Maoists who belong to Harichandrapur area of the district," Singh told reporters.

Around 10-12 Maoists were present in the camp when police raided it, Singh said.

The police officer hinted that Odisha's most wanted Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda might have been present in the camp during the raid.

"From items recovered it is understood that Panda and his 9-10 associates were present at the camp when police raided. From the names on the seized kitbags and personal belongings, we have reached at this conclusion," Singh said.

Other Maoists escaped from the camp taking advantage of dense forest and hilly location of the spot, he added.

There was a heavy fire exchange took place between the security personnel and Maoists. "Police fired more than 250 rounds during the operation," he said. The forces have not recovered any dead body from the spot.

"But surely some insurgents have been injured due to the police firing. We have already launched an operation to nab them," the SP added.