Overview
- Police confirmed at least two CPI (Maoist) cadres were killed in a Wednesday-night exchange of fire in Gumma forest under Belghar in Kandhamal.
- The deceased men were identified as Bari alias Rakesh and Amrit from Chhattisgarh’s Sukma and Bijapur districts, carrying a combined bounty of ₹23.65 lakh.
- Telangana Today reported a third fatality with an unidentified woman’s body recovered near the site on Thursday, a discrepancy not yet reconciled in official statements.
- A revolver, a .303 rifle and a walkie-talkie were seized after a mobile SOG team from Kotgadh responded to specific intelligence from the Special Intelligence Wing.
- Combing operations have been intensified with no reported security force injuries, a development that follows the surrender of 22 Maoists in neighbouring Malkangiri a day earlier.