Maoist camp busted in Odisha, weapons seized

PHULBANI (ODISHA): A Maoist camp was neutralised and some weapons as well as naxal literature were seized after a gun-battle with security forces in a forest in Odisha's Kandhamal district today, police said.

The encounter took place during a joint combing operation by the Special Operation Group ( SOG) and armed police in Bodasingha forest near Balandapada, said Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Kanwar Vishal Singh.

As the joint team approached the camp, the Maoists opened fire which was retaliated by the forces leading to a fierce exchange of fire, he said, adding, about 18-22 ultras were present at the site.

After the Maoists fled the scene and disappeared deep inside the forest, the security personnel recovered three rifles, a revolver and some other materials including leaflets and Maoist literature from the camp, the SP said.

Combing operation in the area was continuing and efforts were on to track the ultras.

While no security personnel was hurt in the encounter, it was not certain whether any of the red rebels had sustained injury in the gun-battle, Singh added.