SOG and Naxalites clash in Mayurbhanj

Baripada, Nov 29 (UNI) A fierce gun-battle between the Special Operations Group (SOG) and the naxalites started today at Dhanatangra village under Mayurbhanj district as a part of a combing operation, initiated by the police force in the state.

Police sources said a SOG team, specially trained to tackle naxalite menace, which was engaged in a combing operation along with a posse of CRPF personnel, had to fire 70 rounds during the encounter with the naxalites. There was, however, no causalities on either side, they said.

Mayurbhanj Superintendent of Police Dayal Gangwar said two more SOG teams had been rushed to the site where the confrontation took place, bringing the total number of SOG teams to three.

The SOG and the CRPF have intensified the combing operation in the area. The SP feared that the naxalites might escape to neighbouring Jharkhand.

Police said the encounter site was close to Sergada forest beat under Rairangpur range where Forester Rabindranath Patra was gunned down by the Maoists on May 8 last.

The Maoists had also set the forest beat house and a motor ablaze before killing him. Only a day after killing the Forester, the Maoists again triggered a landmine blast on May 10 last near Chadheipahada hills close to the Jharkhand border, injuring six policemen including one Sub-Inspector, they said.

After a brief lull of about six months, the naxalite groups were again trying to strike terror in Mayurbhanj, the police said.

UNI