An exchange of fire took place between security personnel and Maoists on Monday at the Patrapada forest under Chhendipada block in Angul District.Acting on a tip-off, one unit of SOG along with police force conducted combing operation at the forest under the command Angul SP N Bhola.
Seeing the security personnel from a distance, around 20 Maoists started firing at them. In retaliation, SOG personnel fired around 84 rounds of bullet and threw four UGBl bombs.
The Maoists also fired around 20 rounds of bullet. However, the Maoists managed to escape unhurt from the area.
The security personnel destroyed Maoist’s temporary camp there and seized many articles used by them, including literature, SlR empty cash, uniform and arms and ammunitions.
While the SOG and police staffs were unhurt, causality or injury from Maoists’ side was yet to be known. “The combing operation will continue more vigorously,” said the SP.