Khaprakhol: A joint team of Special Operations Group (SOG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans during a search operation inside Gandhamardan forest in this block in Bolangir district busted a Maoist camp and seized a huge cache of arms and explosives in the wee hours of Friday.
Bolangir SP Asish Singh and CRPF deputy commandant PK Mishra held a press conference in this regard. With a ‘Martyrs’ Week’ being observed by the Maoists throughout the district, police continued the combing operation and seized the ammunition, Singh said.
According to sources, the Maoists had made a camp in the forest to observe the martyrs’ week. Acting on a tip-off, SOG and CRPF jawans in a joint operation began the combing operation in the forest.
Although the camp was tracked, it was found to be deserted as the ultras managed to escape.
Two guns, four grenades, two detonators, two landmines, granite pouches, batteries, explosives and other equipment were recovered from the spot. The combing operation continued in the area to track down the ultras, Singh added. While no major Maoist atrocities have been witnessed in Khaprakhol area in the last three years, the Maoists make their presence felt by periodically putting up posters and banners in the block.
The press meet was attended by Khaprakhol IIC B S Yadav and SOG and CRPF 189 senior officials. PNN