Anti-Maoist operations intensify in Odisha: CRPF–SOG step up vigil in Kandhamal forests after encounter

Security forces continued an intensive search and combing operation for a second consecutive day in the Belghar forest area of Kandhamal district, following the killing of two Maoists in an encounter with joint teams of the CRPF and Special Operations Group (SOG) on Thursday.

Sources reported that the operation has been stepped up amid intelligence inputs suggesting the presence of more armed Maoists in the forested terrain.

The intensified operation comes a day after security personnel neutralised two Maoists during an exchange of fire triggered by specific intelligence inputs. The encounter took place near Gumma in the Pedam forest, a region considered sensitive due to Naxal movement.

Encounter Based On Intelligence Inputs

According to police sources, SOG teams launched a combing operation on Wednesday after receiving credible information about Maoist presence in the area. During the operation, security forces came face-to-face with armed Maoists, leading to a gun battle in which two Maoists were killed.

Weapons, including a .303 rifle and a pistol, were recovered from the encounter site. Security forces said the arms seizure suggests the slain Maoists were actively involved in armed operations.

Identities And Reward Details

The two Maoists killed in the encounter have been identified as Rakesh, a resident of Rayagada district, and Amrit, from Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh. Police said both were active members of the Bansadhara–Ghumusar–Nagavali (BGN) division.

Authorities confirmed that the duo carried a combined cash reward of Rs 23.65 lakh on their heads, indicating their senior operational roles within the Maoist hierarchy.

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Search Operation Continues

Following the encounter, security forces launched an expanded search operation amid suspicion that additional Maoists may still be hiding in the dense forest. Three SOG teams, along with CRPF personnel, have been deployed to conduct coordinated combing and area domination exercises.

Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harish B C said the search operation would continue until the entire area is thoroughly sanitised. Security forces are also monitoring possible escape routes and conducting checks in nearby locations.

As of the last reports, police said no injuries were reported among security personnel during the encounter. Further searches are underway to recover any additional weapons, explosives or materials linked to Maoist activities.