Nuapada: Two tribal farmers sustained serious injuries after they were hit with bullets during a cross-firing between police and Maoists at a forest in Sunabeda sanctuary here in Nuapada district Tuesday. The police said the two are Mao-sympathisers.
The two were first admitted to Nuapada district headquarters hospital. Later, they were shifted to Raipur hospital after their condition worsened. The two have been identified as Bidya Chinda (44) and Chatur Chinda (53) of Kholibhitar village under Nagapada gram panchayat under Boden police limits.
Nuapada SP Smit Paramar revealed the matter at his office Tuesday evening. Acting on a tip-off, an SOG jawan team began a combing operation Monday evening in Kholibhitar forest of Sunabeda sanctuary and busted a Maoist camp early Tuesday morning in the forest.
Sensing the movements of Jawans, Maoists camped in the forest opened fire at security forces and tried to escape. Retaliating, the SOG Jawans fired back, leading to a crossfire in the forest for about an hour after which the Maoists fled.
Meanwhile, the SOG jawans spotted two injured tribals who sustained bullet injuries in the exchange of fire and rushed them to Nuapada district headquarters hospital (DHH). Preliminary investigation revealed the two were militia and supported the Maoists, police said.
Reports said the two were farmers and had gone to the forest to plough their land. Hearing the bullet sounds, the two tried to escape but were hit by bullets. Things will be clear after their health condition improves.
The combing team also seized a huge quantity arms, ammunitions, Maoist books, posters and daily essential things from the camp.