Three Maoists, including two female cadres, were killed in an encounter with the police in remote Burudi forest under Tandki panchayat of Malkangiri district bordering Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Friday afternoon.
Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjiv Marik confirmed the encounter. This anti-Maoist operation, involving personnel of District Voluntary Force (DVF) and Special Operation Group (SOG), was led by Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Mitrabhanu Mohapatra. According to police sources, the exchange of fire took place between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. inside Burudi jungle under Tandki panchayat near Chhattisgarh border. No injury or damages to the security forces was reported.
Three country-made guns, one INSAS rifle, a Self Loading Rifle (SLR), live ammunition, grenades, materials of Maoist use including kitbags and Maoist literature were seized from the spot where the ultras were holding the camp.
Basing on intelligence reports that Maoists were holding a meeting at the remote spot as part of their continuing martyrs’ week observation, a team of security personnel raided the area. When the Maoists challenged the security personnel through firing, the police team retaliated that led to the killing of three Maoists and destruction of their camp. Rest escaped into the jungle.
It was suspected that around 20 Naxalites were there in the camp when the encounter took place. Search operation is on. It is suspected that some more Maoists may have been injured in the incident.
Identity of slain Maoists has not been ascertained. It is suspected that the Maoists in this camp may be of Darbha division, which is active in Chhattisgarh and parts of Malkangiri district.
Three country-made guns, one INSAS rifle, a Self Loading Rifle, live ammunition, grenades seized
