Police, Maoists exchange fire in Satakosia area in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: Maoists and police personnel on Sunday engaged in an exchange of fire near Purunakote area under Satakosia sanctuary in Angul district of Odisha.

Confirming the gun battle with Maoists, Angul SP Desarj Meena said no information about any casualties had been received.

After getting information from locals, the police launched a combing operation in the area.

The locals stumbled upon some suspicious elements roaming in the area.

And thus, the exchange of fire ensued with the red rebels.

Pertinent to note that, the Maoists are now expanding its stronghold in the central Odisha region.

The Maoists are operating in the Satkosia Tiger Reserve taking advantage of the favourable dense forests, hilly terrains and river  Mahanadi, said police sources.

In a related development, suspected Maoists torched a mobile phone tower at Kathapada in Baipariguda area of Koraput district late on Saturday night.

BSF sources said around 25-30 Maoists late last night torched the mobile phone of a private company.

A Maoist poster found near the spot by the police said the red rebels are opposed to the setting up of the mobile towers in the area.