Bhubaneswar: A fierce gun battle broke out between Maoists and security forces in the MV-79 Jinalguda forest of Malkangiri district, resulting in the death of a rebel.
A security personnel was also injured in the exchange of fire. He has been admitted to the district headquarters hospital in Malkangiri and is currently receiving treatment. Security forces managed to capture two Maoists from the forest.
The jawan, Dambur Bada Nayak, sustained two bullet injuries on his leg during an encounter with Naxals.
The incident occurred when security forces received intel that a group of Naxals from Chhattisgarh were crossing the river towards Malkangiri. A search operation was launched, and the security forces soon found themselves face-to-face with the Naxals.
The Naxals opened fire first, prompting the security forces to retaliate. Three to four Maoists were suspected to be part of the group, according to police.
Security forces seized one 3 MM rifle, one country-made rifle, and approximately 26 different types of bags, along with other articles, said DGP YB Khurania.
According to DGP YB Khurania, “Our operation is still underway, and we continue to exchange information with our neighbouring states, such as Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. We launch operations based on any information regarding Maoist infiltration.”
The identity of the slain rebel remains unknown, and efforts are on to establish his identity, Khurania added. He mentioned that three similar operations were conducted, resulting in success in one of them.
Khurania reiterated his appeal to extremists, urging them to renounce violence and join the mainstream by taking advantage of the government’s surrender policy.
