Bhubaneswar: A fierce gun battle is underway between security forces and Maoists in the dense forests of Balangir, Odisha. The encounter began when police received a tip-off about Maoist activity in the area, prompting a joint operation involving the Odisha Police and security forces.
The areas of Rengali, Maharapadar, Telenpali, and Bhawanipur in Odisha’s Gandhamardan forest are known to be Maoist-infested zones. Acting on intelligence inputs suggesting the presence of Maoists in these areas, security forces launched a surprise attack on the rebel hideouts at Gandhamardhan Hills. Maoists are said to have fired the first shot, sparking a fierce and intense standoff with the security forces in the Gandhamardan forest area of Odisha. The sudden and unprovoked attack by the Maoists has led to a retaliatory response from the security forces.
Following intense combing operations in Chhattisgarh, many Maoists have reportedly moved towards Odisha, prompting security forces to launch a massive operation in the border areas of Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The operation has been intensified in the Gandhamardan forest area, which is known to be a Maoist stronghold.
When it comes to combating the Maoist menace, the security forces have achieved significant success in their efforts to combat Naxalism. In the past year, around 150 Naxals were killed, over 300 were arrested and more than 500 surrendered.
