Massive combing operation in Koraput district

Around 300 security men from forces like BSF and SOG are on the job since Wednesday.

"A massive operation was launched. Security personnel are being airdropped at specific locations for joint combing," a senior police officer said.

Maoist leaders Ram Krishna, Sukdev, Daya and Aruna are believed to be camping along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border to consolidate the organisation that has suffered a setback with the Maoist-backed Chasi Muliya Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) waning and police raiding several hideouts in past few months, he said.

"The extremists have always used CMAS as a shield to carry out their offensives. But in recent times, tribals have realised that they got nothing in the fight between police and Maoists", a source at Narayanpatna said.

Police said villagers are voluntarily coming up with vital information against the Maoists.