Bhubaneswar: Two Maoists were killed in a gunbattle with security forces during an anti-Maoist operation in the Budaguda forest area of Kandhamal district on Monday.
The deceased have been identified as Manku, an ACM cadre, and Chandan, a party member active in the district. The encounter occurred around noon when the District Voluntary Force (DVF), acting on specific intelligence, launched the operation.
According to an official press release, police recovered one rifle, one revolver, live ammunition, a walkie-talkie, batteries, and other Maoist materials from the site of the encounter.
At approximately 12 noon, a gunfight ensued between DVF personnel and the Maoists. Both Manku and Chandan were killed during the exchange. Their bodies have been recovered, and security forces have intensified operations in the area.
A widespread search is currently underway to track down any remaining insurgents.
State Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania has commended Kandhamal SP Harish B.C. and the DVF team for their successful mission.
