Police and Maoists had a brief exchange of fire in the
Chattardandi Reserve Forest under the Tureikela police station in
Balangir district on Tuesday night.
Acting on a tipoff about the movement of Maoists, a joint team of the
District Volunteer Force (DVF) and Special Operations Group (SOG)
jawans launched a combing operation in the forest.
But spotting the police personnel, the ultras who were in olive green
combat fatigues opened fire. In self-defence, the security personnel
also retaliated. The encounter lasted for around 10 minutes. But
taking advantage of the darkness, the Maoists escaped from the spot,
said Balangir SP Nitin Kuslsar on Wednesday.
Later, police during search seized three knives, torch lights, shoes and
others items used by the ultras from the spot. A case has been lodged
at the Turreikela police station and further investigations are on, said
the SP.
