CRPF, Maoists faceoff in Odisha’s Angul

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Angul/Koraput, Dec 13:

Pushed from southern and western bases by incessant combing operations, Maoists have started making forays into the dense forests of Central Odisha. In an incident that confirms such incursion, CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) and Maoists today exchanged fire near Purunakote area under Satakosia sanctuary of Angul district.

As per information provided by Angul SP Desarj Meena, there have been no causalities on either side. The combing operation, however, continued till evening today and is likely to resume tomorrow.

The incident occurred when the security forces launched a combing operation inside the sanctuary early this morning acting on intelligence inputs. Earlier, locals had tipped off the cops about few men roaming around in the area in a suspicious manner.

In another instance of Maoist menace in the state, the red rebels have burnt down a telephone tower in Kathapada village under Boipariguda block of Koraput district last night.

As per BSF (Border Security Force), about 25-30 Maoists gathered straw around the tower and torched it.

Besides, the rebels have left posters on the spot claiming responsibility for the act. As per the message on the poster, they oppose installation of mobile phone towers by private companies in that area.