A heavy exchange of fire took place between Maoists and security forces in Kandhamal district on Sunday morning.
According to reports, a joint team of the Special Operation Group (SOG) and the district police, acting on a tipoff about location of a Maoist camp, launched a combing operation in the Bodasinga forest near Balandapada in the early morning hours.
As the security personnel arrived close to the Maoist camp, the ultras opened fire at them. This led to the heavy exchange of fire between them and the security personnel, reports said.
The security personnel later found the Maoist camp deep inside the forest. Three rifles, a revolver and some other items including leaflets and Maoist literature were seized from the camp.
Briefing the media here, Kandhamal SP Kanwar Vishal Singh said the combing operation was still on. “We are not sure about the casualties in the crossfire till now,” he added.
It was believed that one of the Maoists might have died in the encounter, but no dead body was yet to be identified, he said, adding that a clear picture would be available after completion of the combing operation.
The SP also informed that another contingent of police force has been sent to join the fight against the Maoists.
It may be mentioned that security in the district has been tightened in Kandhamal district in view of the CPI(Maoist)’s foundation day on Sunday as well as for the ensuing lok Sabha election scheduled on October 15.