Top Maoist Leaders Escape After Encounter In Odisha’s Malkangiri

Malkangiri: The security personnel recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition after a heavy exchange of fire with the Maoists inside a forest in the cut-off area of Odisha’s Malkangiri district on Wednesday.

Talking to the media, Malkangiri SP Rishikesh Khilari said that a joint operation was carried by the BSF, SOG and DVF personnel two days ago on the basis of the intelligence input on the presence of the Maoists in the forest area near Gunamamudi village under Paparmetla police limits.

During the search operation on Wednesday, the Maoists suddenly opened fire on the security personnel, on the outskirts of Gunamamudi village.

As the security personnel retaliated, the Maoists fled the area.

The combing operation in the forest area near the village thereafter led to the seizure of a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including an IED explosive, 16 rounds of live cartridges, one magazine, 32 detonators, one radio, Maoist uniforms and kitbags, from a camp.

According to preliminary reports, the Maoists were led by their top leaders Aruna and Jagan of the Andhra Odisha Border Zonal Committee.

The combing operation in the cut-off area has been intensified further following the encounter, the SP added.