SAMBALPUR, Jan. 6: A day after arson and robbery in the forest range house at Badrama, police gunned down two Maoists at Cheptikani-Gadpati village in the Jamankira police station area, 55 km from here last night.
This is for the first since the Maoist operation in Sambalpur began in 2003 that police killed two of its cadres. Such incidents took place in neighbouring Deogarh district earlier.
Two spot deaths apart, six people, including few women, have also been injured, sources said.
It is believed 15-20 people were caught in the crossfire last night when combing operations were on by the special operation group inside the forest.
Police seized two SLR and three 303 rifles and a country-made revolver from the Maoists. Twelve to 14 Maoists fled, taking advantage of the dense forest and darkness, Sambalpur Superintendent of Police, Mr Sanjaya Kumar, said.
This is believed to be the same group that attacked and ransacked the Badarama range office on Friday night, the SP said.
The deceased are identified as Raj of Rengali-Badmal and Kalia Mirdha of Laikera Bahal villages, police said.
With villagers' help, police identified the bodies which were sent for post-mortem to the VSS Medical College.
Source: The Statesman, January 6, 2008
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