BALANGIR: A woman Maoist cadre was killed in police firing near Harishankar, one of the most frequented tourist spots of the district, under Khaprakhol block on Tuesday. Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel were deployed in the area following intelligence reports about movement of the Maoists and the cadre was said to have been killed in an exchange of fire with the forces. The exchange of fire continued for some time. The Maoists deserted the camp. The body of the cadre was found near the camp. As many as 100 detonators, 14 live cartridges and two landmines were seized from the camp. Sources said the encounter took place adjacent to Sanbanjipali village, about 80 km from here, in the forest adjoining Gandhamardan hill, which separates Balangir from Bargarh district. SP Awinash Kumar said the Maoist, whose identity is yet to be known, was armed with sophisticated weapons.aThis was for the first time that the SOG and Maoists came face to face in Balangir. Geographically, the area is accessible through forest from Bargarh as well as from Nuapada district. A week ago, Balangir police had intensified combing operation in Turekela and Khaprakhol areas following reports of ultras sneaking into Balangir territory after they were flushed out by Nuapada police. Balangir police earlier in joint operation with their Bargarh counterparts had flushed out around 100 heavily armed Maoists who had entered Turekela area. Sources said Maoists are now concentrating on Balangir-Nuapada border from Turekela side, where they enjoy villagers’ support.
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