Odisha Police neutralises Naxal camp in encounter near Bargad

Atul Krishna

| Updated: 23 February, 2024 6:41 pm IST

NEW DELHI: A fierce confrontation erupted between Naxal insurgents and Odisha police near the Bargad region, officials reported on Friday.

Reports indicate that the Naxals launched an assault on the police with the intent to inflict harm. In response, the police initiated a robust counter-operation, compelling the Naxals to flee the vicinity, abandoning their weaponry and other paraphernalia.

A senior police official disclosed that intelligence from both headquarters and the district highlighted heightened Naxal activities. Subsequently, anti-Naxal operations were launched on February 21 by Special Operations Group (SOG) teams in the Bargad area.

“Teams were deployed from the Bargarh and Balangir sides onto the Gandhmardhan hills. At approximately 8:30 am, an exchange of fire ensued between the SOG and Naxals within the jurisdiction of the Paikmal Police Station.

Following the exchange, our units conducted a thorough search of the area, uncovering Naxal bags, clothing, food items, and other supplies. The entire Naxal camp was dismantled. Ongoing search operations are underway in the region,” stated the police.

The official added that the operation is currently progressing under the direct supervision of the Additional Director General of Operations and the Director General of Police. Superintendent of Police Bargarh, Prahalad Sahai Meena, is constantly overseeing the situation.