Police destroy Maoist camp, seize arms in Odisha

Police Sunday destroyed a Maoist camp in Odisha's Kandhamal district and seized arms after an exchange of fire with the rebels, an official said.

District Superintendent of Police Kanwar Vishal Singh said a joint team of Special Operation Group (SOG) and the district voluntary force raided the camp near Balandapada village, about 260 km from here at about 10.30 a.m.

He told IANS that police retaliated after the rebels opened fire at them, with the firing lasting for about 30 minutes. After that the guerrillas escaped from the area.

Police conducted a search in the area and seized three rifles, one revolver and other items, including leaflets, kit bags and Maoist literature, he said. Police later destroyed the camp, he added.

No deaths or injuries were reported from either side, he said.

Maoists are active in more than half of Odisha and Kandhamal district is considered one of their strongholds.