Four Maoists gunned down in Kandhamal of Odisha

Odisha: At least four Maoists were gunned down in an exchange of fire with the security forces at Sirla forest area near Tumudibandh area in Kandhamal of Odisha on Sunday.

The police said during the routine combing operations in the forest by the personnel of the Special Operation Group, a dedicated anti-naxal force, and District Voluntary Force, a special constabulary unit of the Odisha police, they found Maoists and opened fire on them on Sunday morning. In retaliation, the Maosits also opened fire on the security forces to escape from the place.

Amitabh Thakur, Inspector General of Police (Operation), told newsmen that as of now, four Maoists were gunned down in the gun battle between the security forces and Maoists. The officer said that they were yet to establish the identity of the deceased Maoists.

The police department has sent more forces to carry out the combing operations. They are suspecting that some Maoists suffered bullet injuries in the battle and they can't go to much distance from the spot.

A few days ago, security forces busted a Maoist camp near Samarbandh village under Phiringia block in Kandhamal. The forces recovered 15 kg explosives, 28 detonators, tiffin boxes, shoes, bags and Maoist literature.

The police said that the cadres of Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Nayagarh and Boudh division of the outfit are active in the area.