Phulbani: An exchange of fire broke out between Maoists and security forces in Odisha’s Kandhamal district Sunday.
Initial reports indicated casualties among the insurgents. However, officials have not yet officially confirmed the number of casualties.
The gun battle took place in the Karada forest near Nadabadi village. At the time of filing the report, the operation is still ongoing.
Sources said the operation was launched following intelligence inputs about the Maoist movement in the region.
Personnel of the Special Operations Group initiated a combing and search operation after receiving reports that around 30 Maoists were present in the area. During the search, the Maoists allegedly opened fire, prompting retaliatory action from the security team, the source added.
Further details are awaited as the operation continues in the area, sources added.