Five Maoists killed in an encounter in Odisha

15 November, 2012

The slain Maoists belonged to a group headed by Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, who was expelled from the CPI (Maoist) Party and had formed the Odisha Maobadi Party. The operation was jointly conducted by the special operation groups and district voluntary forces.

FIVE MAOISTS have been killed in an encounter with the security forces in forest border of Odisha’s Ganjam and Gajapati districts on Wednesday last. Another person, who sustained injuries was taken into custody by the police.

Two securitymen also sustained injuries in the exchange of fire in Baliguda jungle under Mohana Police Station limits, police said. The police confirmed the death of five Maoists during an exchange of fire in the jungle. The bodies of five were recovered on Wednesday during evening hours and sent for post mortem to the MKCG Medical College, Hospital, Berhampur, as the operation was still ongoing, police said.

Superintendent of Police Ganjam Ashish Singh confirmed the death of five persons. Subashree Dash alias Mili Panda wife of Sabyasachi Panda on Thursday warned the State Government of dire consequences if it wanted to foil the peace process initiated by some eminent personalities of Odisha sometime back.

Instead of continuing peace process, the state government has started operation against Panda. If it continues the situation may go behind control in the days to come, warned Mili Panda. “We recovered bodies of five Maoists and some arms after the encounter,” said Ganjam range Deputy Inspector General of Police, R K Sharma.

Sharma also suspected Panda might have been injured in the encounter. Combing operation had been intensified in the area to nab Panda and other members of his group, he added. When the peace process is going on, act of violence from either side is not desirable,” said Prof Radhamohan, one of the nine intellectuals of the state, who submitted a representation to the Government.

All the nine intellectuals signed and submitted representation for the surrender of Sabyasachi Panda, who was expelled by CPI (Maoist) party few months back. Meanwhile, a huge quantity of explosive materials belonging to CPI (Maoist) party was seized today by the security forces at Narayanpatna.