One Arrested For Last Year’s IED Blast During Combing Operation In Odisha’s Kandhamal

Phulbani: Police have arrested one person in connection with IED explosion during combing operation by security forces in Odisha’s Kandhamal district.

According to sources, the security forces including Odisha Police personnel and SOG jawans came across a group of Maoists during a combing operation in Keheligud forest under Tumudibandh police station in the district on December 24, 2023.

The Maoists managed to flee following a heavy exchange of fire with the security forces. Later, as the security personnel were marching towards destroying the Maoist camp, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded. Two SOG jawans, Amiya Ranjan Das and Prashant Kumar Jena, were injured in the explosion.

The police had registered a case and started investigation in connection with the IED explosion. They were able to trace one person involved in the explosion and arrested him. The arrested person was forwarded to court on Friday. But the police did not reveal details about the person due to ongoing investigation.