SAA event in Odisha, Barkote Ghat in Nuapada District area, India on Fri 9th February 2024

An exchange of fire was reported between Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres and Security Forces (SFs) inside the dense forests of Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary near Barkote Ghat in Nuapada District of Odisha early on February 9 (today), reports odishatv.in. The exchange of fire occurred while the personnel of the Special Operation Group (SOG) were carrying out a combing operation in the area. Acting on reliable intelligence input about the presence of armed cadres of the CPI-Maoist in the Sunabeda Sanctuary, a search and area domination operation was launched by jawans of the SOG and Nuapada District Voluntary Force (DFV). Sensing the movements of the SOG Jawans, the ultras opened fire at them near Barkote Ghat. In retaliation, the SFs also opened fire, leading to a brief exchange of fire in the area. However, the Maoists managed to escape into the dense forest. However, no injury from any side has been reported so far in exchange of fire.