Security forces posted in Odisha’s Kandhamal have gunned down four suspected Maoists, including two women, after an exchange of fire in the Sirli jungle earlier this weekend. The encounter happened in southern Odisha’s Tumudibandh area. Sources say that four rebels, and some amongst the forces, have been injured in what was an hour-long battle.
A senior police officer said that the identities of the deceased were yet to be ascertained. It is not uncommon for tribal people with close association to Maoist activities to go under the hood, as this helps to push the pervasive eyes of the anti-Maoist operators and law enforcement institutions away. The deceased are suspected to hail from the Bansadhara-Ghumusara-Nagabali (BGN) division of the banned CPI-Maoist outfit. An SLR with a magazine, an INSAS rifle, and country-made weapons were also seized from the spot, following the encounter.
The sudden exchange of gunfire was triggered when members of the district volunteer force and the special operation group of Odisha police went on a raid to nab suspected Maoists in the area. The raid, which was based on a tip-off about the presence of 30-35 odd Maoists, was led by Kandhamal SP Prateek Singh.
“A group of Maoists started firing at the security forces. The forces retaliated in self-defence. There were four casualties on the Maoists’ side. We believe some were also injured. Combing operations are on in the area. We appeal to the Maoists to surrender and join the mainstream. The Odisha government has a very generous surrender and rehabilitation policy for them,” said DGP Abhay, who visited Phulbani along with IG (operation) Amitabh Thakur, IG of police Praveen Kumar and DIG (southern range) Satyabrata Bhoi.