Bargarh: A Maoist camp was busted by security forces in Gandhamardan Reserve Forest here today morning. The police seized arms and ammunition from the area. The raid began on the basis of an input at 7:30 am on Saturday.
The SOG jawans had to face firing by the left wing extremists. The forces retaliated and the exchange of fire continued for a long time. Taking advantage of the rains and dense forest cover the rebels retreated into the woods.
During search, 4 INSAS empty cases, 3 AK- 47 empty cases, two .303 empty cases, one .303 live ammunition, 2 SLR empty cases, handwritten Maoist Hindi and Odia literature and other incriminating materials were recovered from the camp, said Bargarh SP Padmini Sahoo.
“The operation was carried out by SOG teams from Bargarh and Sambalpur and CRPF. More than a dozen Maoists were spotted in the area during the raid,” said Sahoo.
The SP also appealed to the ultras to lay down their arms and surrender before the police. Combing and search operation with additional teams have been intensified in the area after the incident, she added.