The Maoists again made their presence felt in Malkangiri district after a group of armed rebels allegedly torched a bus near Mundaguda of the Mathili area here late on Monday night.
Reports said a group of 20 to 25 armed ultras intercepted the bus travelling from Mahupadar to Motu near Mundaguda area and asked the passengers to get down from the vehicle. Later, they set ablaze the bus by pouring diesel.
The Maoists also roughed up the bus staffs and snatched their mobile phones. However, the passengers were allowed to leave the spot unhurt, sources said.
This is first major incident during the ‘Pratibada Saptaha’ observed by the Maoists. The security personnel have launched a search operation in the area to trace the ultras. However, the incident has triggered panic in the area.
In Nuapada, Maoists have also put up posters at some Government buses in Boden area asking people to observe Bharat Bandh on January 31. The banner stated that it was put up by Odisha State Maoist Committee.