With the ‘Operation All Out’, aimed at ending Maoist menace in Malkangiri district’s cut-off areas bordering Andhra Pradesh, entering third day, the Malkangiri police arrested two Red rebels on Tuesday.
Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra told reporters that one rebel, indentified as Budura Muduli of Gisingbeda village under Nakamagudi gram panchayat, was arrested while he was on his way to a visit a doctor with bullet injuries. However, he refused to inform about the identity of another arrested Maoist citing security reasons. Meanwhile, Budura claimed that he received bullet injuries while he had gone for fishing and has no connection with the ultras.
The SP said BSF personnel, Greyhounds and Special Operation Group (SOG) staffs are conducting joint operations at five different places near the Chitrakonda reservoir. At these places, exchange of fire is continuing between the security personnel and Maoists, he said. He further informed that five kit bags, a grenade, a bundle of electric wires and other Maoist literature were recovered from the camp sites.
According to police, over 200 members of the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) were camping in the dense forests of Malkangiri between November last week and December third week for the annual plenary. The police reportedly had information that CPI (Maoist) central committee member and in-charge of AOBSZC Ramakrishna alias RK was also present at the camp.
As huge numbers of members of outlawed group are present in the forest, the operation would be intensified in the coming days, police said. When asked about reports of villagers being killed in the encounter, the Malkangiri SP remained silent.