The meeting took place in a dense forest in the Kandhamal district of Odisha. (Representational image)
Bhubaneswar:
At least four Maoists were killed on Sunday during an exchange of fire with security forces in dense forest in the Kandhamal district of Odisha.
Some rebels were also injured during the operation, said Director General of Police (DGP) Abhay.
On the basis of information, a team of members of the Special Operations Group (SOG) and officers of the District Volunteer Force (DVF) had launched a raid in the forest of the Tumudibandha region, in the district of Kandhamal, early in the day, he said.
As security personnel approached their hiding place, the Maoists opened fire and a shooting ensued, killing the four rebels.
A huge cache of weapons and ammunition has been seized in the region, said the DGP.
All four are suspected of being members of the Bansadhara-Nagavali-Ghumusar division of the banned (Maoist) ICC, he said, adding that a massive combing operation is underway in the region.
Kandhamal SP Prateek Singh, who rushed to the site with other senior police officers, said that a female executive was among the Maoists killed during the meeting.
Congratulating the security forces, Secretary General A K Tripathy said the operation has strengthened Odisha’s determination to fight extremism.
“Congratulations to the Odisha police officers and Jawans for the successful operations in Kandhamal. Their courageous action is greatly appreciated. The deaths of 4 Maoists have been confirmed. This strengthens our determination to liberate our State from extremism and to boost the whole development of the state, “he tweeted. .
Congratulations to the Odisha police officers and Jawans for the successful operations in Kandhamal. Their courageous action is much appreciated. The death of 4 Maoists has been confirmed. This strengthens our determination to liberate our state from extremism and to stimulate the overall development of the state.@IPR_Odisha@CMO_Odisha
– ChiefSecyOdisha (@SecyChief) July 5, 2020
Earlier this week, a Maoist camp was destroyed and explosives seized by security personnel in the Phiringia district of Kandhamal.
