The SOG teams of Bargarh-Bolangir along with CRPF platoons conducted a joint anti-Naxal operation in Gandhamardhan Reserve forest under Paikmal Police station limits on Sunday.
Receiving reliable intelligence inputs regarding the presence of Maoists in Gandhamardhan RF area, the security forces started the operation around 7.30am.
They also noticed the movement of 10-15 Maoists, who in turn started indiscriminate firing upon locating the forces.
The security forces took defensive position and appealed the Maoists to surrender. When the firing didn’t stop, the SOG jawans resorted to controlled firing in self defense, which continued for 30 mins.
Taking advantage of the terrain, the Maoists managed to escape. During the search operation, the SOG team busted four naxal camps and recovered live ammunitions, empty cartridges and camp articles from the spot.
Further combing and search operation with additional teams is continuing in the core area for possible hideouts.