Overview
- The SOG launched an operation around 11 a.m. Sunday in Karada forest on the Kandhamal–Ganjam border after intelligence inputs, triggering a two-hour exchange of fire.
- Two cadres were killed, identified by police in differing reports as Jagyesh/Jagesh and Ratna/Rashmi, with a combined bounty of ₹27.5 lakh.
- An AK-47 assault rifle, a self-loading rifle, an under-barrel grenade launcher with grenades, ammunition and Maoist materials were seized at the site.
- Police reported no injuries to security personnel, and the bodies were moved to Phulbani police headquarters.
- Search teams are combing the area for other members, including wanted state committee figure Shukru alias Krishna, with officials estimating the group at roughly seven to ten.