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In a continuation of anti-Maoist operations, two Maoist insurgents met their demise in an encounter with the Special Operations Group, a specialised anti-Maoist force, in Odisha’s Boudh district. The skirmish occurred in the Parhel reserve forest area.
According to Soumendra Priyadarshi, the Director of Intelligence, the bodies of the slain Maoists have been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to ascertain their identities with the assistance of surrendered rebels. Additionally, one Maoist was reported injured during the encounter.
Security forces, in addition to neutralising the Maoists, also seized explosives and firearms, including an under-barrel grenade launcher, from the encounter site.
This operation unfolds amidst the backdrop of forthcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, slated for May 13, 20, 25 and June 01. Boudh district, where the incident transpired, is scheduled for polls on May 20.
Notably, this region has witnessed a series of similar incidents in recent months, marking at least seven encounters in the last four months alone. In a related development in Chhattisgarh, a parallel anti-Maoist operation in the forest area of Chhotebethiya police station limits in Kanker district resulted in the fatalities of at least 29 Maoists, as reported earlier.
The intensified crackdown on Maoist insurgency reflects the ongoing efforts of security forces to curb left-wing extremism and ensure peace and security in the affected regions.
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