Odisha’s Angul dist under Maoist threat

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Angul, July 1:

Odisha’s industrial hub Angul is now the target of Maoists, who have already made inroads into this coal-rich zone.

There was an exchange of fire between security forces and Maoists in a forested zone under the Chhendipada police station limits in Odisha’s Angul district in the wee hours on Monday.

However, there has been no report of any casualties.

The gun battle, which began around 4am, continued for over an hour, police sources said.

According to thr IG of police (north central range) Mr PS Ranpise said the jawans of special operation group (SOG) had come across the Maoists in a forest bordering Sambalpur district, adding, a combing operation had been launched to track the Maoists.

It may be mentioned here that there were reports of a group of armed Maoist moving in the Thakurgarh and Purunakote areas of Satkosia forests last week. The local people had reported that a group of 18 red rebels including women, were visiting villages for food and holding meetings.

Some of them even claimed that the ultras were setting up camps in Angul district. However, the police believe the ultras have moved towards Boudh district following Monday’s exchange of fire.