After heavy fire exchange, police seize explosives and other items from Maoist hideout in Gadchiroli

An anti-Maoist operation was then launched by the police under the leadership of Additional SP (Admin) Kumar Chinta.

The police said that eight C60 parties were sent with a quick action team (QAT) of the CRPF and while searches were being conducted in the area, the Maoist started to fire at them.

“Firing continued intermittently throughout the night with heavy firing at 1800 hrs, 2330 hrs yesterday (Wednesday), and 0430 hrs today in very poor visibility at night. Naxals fired and security forces retaliated strongly… Sensing mounting pressure and taking cover of darkness, Naxals fled from the firing spot,” Superintendent of Police Neelotpal said.

The police teams then conducted searches after which items belonging to Maoists, like literature, wires, gelatin sticks, batteries and solar panels were found and seized.

“Anti Naxal Operation is continuing in the mentioned area and we will update about further developments,” an officer said.

Lok Sabha polls in the Maoist-affected Gadchiroli district are scheduled to be held on April 19.