A half-an-hour long gun battle took place on Thursday between Madhya Pradesh Police's Hawk Force and Naxals at Malkua forests near Rashimeta village in lanji area.
While talking to mediapersons, here on Thursday, Inspector General of Police (Anti-Terrorism Squad) Sanjeev Shami said, “On a tip-off, Hawk Force personnel carried out a search in the area. Sensing the presence of security personnel, Maoists opened fire forcing retaliation. Precaution was taken so that women and children collecting tendu leaves in the area are not hurt.”
The Naxals fled the area after the encounter. Four backpacks, Naxal literature and other daily use items were seized from the spot but no weapon was found. No personnel or other villager was injured in the exchange of fire. However, it was not clear whether any Maoist was killed or hurt.
Shami said the security personnel were combing the area.