An exchange of fire took place between Maoists and security forces at the Gandhamardhan hills near Khaprakhol in Balangir district on Monday.
Acting on a tipoff about the presence of Maoists, CRPF and SOG jawans had launched a search operation at Gandhamardhan hills on Sunday night, informed Balangir Superintendent of Police K Siva Subramani.
“At around 9.30 am today, the Maoists opened fire at the jawans, following which the latter retaliated. The exchange of fire is on. After that, searching and combing will be conducted,” the SP said.
There were no reports of any casualties in the gun battle.
In another development, a day before the Independence Day, Maoists put up poster in Nabarangpur district urging people to refrain from celebrations on the occasion.
The poster was seen at the Chandahandi road near Karalapada under the Jharigaon police station in the district. The Red rebels through the poster urged people to celebrate the Independence Day as a “black day”.
On being informed, police reached the spot, seized the poster and started investigation into the incidence.