Rayagada: Security forces and Maoists exchanged heavy fire during a combing operation at Lakhapadar village under Parshali panchayat of Kalyansinghpur block on Saturday night. There were around 20 to 25 Maoists in the area who opened fire at the forces.
The joint team of SOG, DVF, CRPF and district police which had intensified anti-Maoist operations in Niyamgiri bordering Rayagada and Kalahandi districts retaliated at the LWEs. Apprehending heavy casualties, the rebels retreated back into the forests, said sources.
Rayagada SP, Dr Saravana Vivek M led the operation. While forces have been deployed in the area, the combing operation will continue till Monday. On the other hand, the security forces have launched a search operation for Maoist presence in the forests.
