An exchange of fire took place between security forces and Maoists near the Manabhanga dam under the Paikmal police limits in Bargarh district on Tuesday, Padampur SDPO Laxminarayan Panda told media on Wednesday.
A joint team of the DVF and CRPF personnel, while conducting a combing operation in the area, spotted a group of 10 to 12 Maoists near the dam. Even as the security forces told the Red rebels to surrender, the latter opened fire at the police. In retaliatory firing ion by the security forces, Maoist commander Ravindra and his associate reportedly sustained injuries. The ultras later managed to escape. As many as 16 bullets, a sharp knife and several Maoist articles were seized from the spot.