A huge cache of arms, ammunition and other articles used by Maoists were recovered after a gunfight between the Red rebels and security forces in Malkangiri district on Thursday.
The seizures were made during a combing operation led by Malkangiri SP Rishidesh D Khillari and SDPO Prahallad Sahai Meena along with a team of BSF, District Voluntary Force (DVF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) commandoes.
According to sources, the anti-Maoist drive was launched following inputs regarding movement of 15 to 20 armed Maoists in Goegurha-Uttamgurha area under the Mudulipada police station. During the exchange of fire, Maoists managed to flee from the spot taking advantage of darkness but left behind their belongings and articles.
An AK-47, 10 detonators, electric wire, cameras, electric extension cord, battery solar panel, three pairs of Maoist uniforms, medicines, Maoist literature, blankets, among other articles were seized from the spot.
“This seizure points to the fact that the outlawed CPI (Maoist) organisations are trying to wage war against the State by attacking the security forces. Any such attempt would be dealt through action as per law,” the police said in a release.