Post News Network
Dhenkanal, Nov 15: Rumours of a Maoist hideout in Rupabalia reserve forest under Sarangi forest range spread like wildfire after forest officials raided an abandoned hut in Nathua village inside the jungle and seized two guns, live bullets and a bag filled with explosives Saturday.
The suspected Maoist hideout was noticed when forest ranger Prasant Nanda Sahu, elephant squad member Kanduri Pradhan and elephant protection committee member Rajendra Panigrahi were patrolling in the village. Forest officials promptly launched a combing operation in the jungle to flush out the Maoists. The presence of the hideout came as a surprise in the area.
Speculations are also doing the rounds that the hut belonged to elephant poachers who were possibly using it as a hideout and must have escaped leaving behind the arms and ammunition after coming to know of the patrolling team’s presence.
The incident triggered panic in the area and has raised serious questions on the security of people as well as wildlife in the jungle. and humans living in the jungle. The local police on the other hand denied having received any complaint till evening. No arrests were made nor were anyone detained in this connection even as an investigation has been launched to ascertain the identity of the persons who lived in the hut.
When contacted, divisional forest officer Pradipta Kumar Sahu confirmed the development and said a probe is on to get to the bottom of the matter. Sahu added that a formal complaint would be lodged with the police and administration Monday. The seized guns, which are most possibly unregistered, will be handed over to the reserve police inspector, he added.
Sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Raj Kishore Dora said it is suspected that poachers might have left behind the arms in the hut as the jungle has several elephants. He said a probe would be conducted.
SP Nikhil Kumar Kanodia said police have started questioning people as part of their investigation. Kanodia too said he suspects this to be a hideout of elephant poachers as the jungle has over 70 jumbos.
