Bhubaneswar: Three Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces during a combing operation in Karada forest area under Raikia police limits in Odisha’s Kandhamal on Sunday.
According to sources, the operation began 2 days ago following intelligence inputs on the presence of Maoists in the region. Around 30 rebels are reportedly holed up in the dense, remote region, often identified as a Maoist hotbed, IG, southern range, Niti Shekhar informed.
However, there has been no official confirmation on the number of casualties during the combing operations as part of a statewide drive to eliminate Left-wing extremism by March 31, while focusing on forested areas where Maoists are suspected to be regrouping.