‘Operation All Out’ on Odisha-AP border: Two Reds arrested in Malkangiri

Reported By Ranjan Rath
Rayagada, Jan 7:

With ‘‘Operation All Out’’, designed to end the dominance of the Maoists in the cut-off areas of Odisha’s Malkangiri district bordering Andhra Pradesh entering the third day, the Malkangiri police on Tuesday sought to clear the air on the mystery over arrests and casualties on either side.

Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra
Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra

Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra told media persons that two ultras have been arrested in the operation.

While one rebel, identified as Budura Muduli of Gisingbeda village under Nakamagudi panchayat in Malkangiri, was arrested while he was on his way to a medical facility with bullet injuries, the SP refused to share the identity of the other arrested Maoist with the media citing security reasons as the encounter was still on.

However, the injured Maoist claimed that he sustained the bullet injuries while he had gone for fishing and he has no connection with the ultras.

The encounter that is continuing at five different places near Chitrakonda reservoir in the cut-off areas of Malkangiri district is a joint operation of the BSF, Greyhounds and the Special Operation Group (SOG) of Odisha, the police officer informed.

During the raid, five kit bags, one grenade, a bundle of electric wires and other Maoist literature were recovered from the camp sites, police said.

According to police, over 200 members of Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) were camping in the dense forests of Malkangiri since November last week to December third week for the annual plenary.

The police reportedly had information that CPI (Maoist) central committee member and in-charge of AOBSZC, Ramakrishna alias RK was also present at the camp.

As huge numbers of members of outlawed group are present in the forest, the operation would be intensified in the coming days, police said.

When asked about reports of villagers being killed in the encounter, the Malkangiri SP remained tight-lipped and dodged the question.

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