Hardcore Maoist Killed In Gunbattle With Security Forces In Odisha’s Nabarangpur Ahead Of 1st Phase Polling

Nabarangpur: A hardcore Maoist was killed during an encounter with security forces inside a forest in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district on Thursday, a top police official said.

According to Director General of Police (DGP) Arun Kumar Sarangi, a cadre Moist was killed in the gunbattle with the personnel of Special Operation Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF).

The gunfight took place ahead of the first phase of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections slated to be held in Nabarangpur Parliamentary constituency on May 13. First phase polling will also be held in three other Lok Sabha seats in Odisha and 28 Assembly constituencies falling under these segments the same day.

The exchange of fire took place inside Raighar forest in the district when the security personnel were carrying out a combing operation.

On being challenged by the red rebels present in the forest, the security personnel retaliated and a ultra was gunned down in the exchange of fire that ensued while others fled, sources said.

Combing operation is underway in the forest as part of efforts to trace the fleeing rebels and to unearth hidden dumps of arms and ammunition, if any.