Bhubaneswar: Two SOG jawans were injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists went off in Kandhamal district on Sunday.
Kandhamal Superintendent of Police (SP) Suvendu Patra said combing operation was going on in Sirla forest under Tumudibandh police station area since Friday.
At around 10 am this morning, the IED blast took place, in which two jawans of Special Operation Group (SOG) were injured, he said.
“The IED explosive fixed on a tree went off and two of our commandos were injured. One of the commandos who sustained eye injuries has been shifted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar while the other commando who sustained splinter injury on his limbs is undergoing treatment at Kandhamal,” Shri Patra said.
Following the blast, a massive combing operation has been launched by the jawans. An exchange of fire between the jawans and Maoists was also underway, he said, adding, there are no inputs regarding the casualties among the ultras.
He said that it is suspected that Maoists are hiding in the jungle and the combing operation will continue in the coming days.
Usually, teams take precautions during such operations, it may be some old hideout. A clear picture will emerge after the team returns, he further stated.