Senior officials said on Saturday that at least two jawans were injured multiple times during a firefight. Security personnels were in a search operation for the Maoists on the Boudh-Kandhamal border.

The State Director General of Police (DGP) Abhay, who was on a visit to the neighboring Koraput district, airlifted both Commandos from the Special Operation Group (SOG) who were critically injured to Bhubaneswar.

According to reports, a combing operation was initiated by the jawans under the Gochapada police of Kandhamal district. On Saturday morning, a furious fight broke out between security forces and Maoist ultras. The shooting went on for a long period.

Based on information about the presence and movement of a Maoist group in the area, a joint team of security personnel launched the combing operation.

“The operation was launched by SOG in Kandhamal district today. Two jawans have been injured and both of them have been airlifted to Bhubaneswar. I thank the BSF pilot for assisting in the rescue operation and landing the chopper in a small area, CRPF for sending reinforcement, and the doctor from the Kantamal area, ” said Abhay.

Both Commandos were rescued and brought to safety from the operational area with the help of CRPF jawans.

According to preliminary reports, Odisha DGP Abhay, who was on a visit to the undivided Koraput district, airlifted both injured jawans. To assess the anti-LWE situation in the region, the top cop was scheduled to visit Malkangiri and Koraput districts.

However, as soon as he heard of the incident, he went to the troubled location. In light of the incident, the top cop is said to have changed his travel route. Despite the fact that one IAF helicopter was requisitioned, it was unable to reach Padelpada due to bad weather on the route.

Meanwhile, both injured jawans have been admitted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. One of them in critical condition. According to AIIMS officials, a special team of doctors from various departments is treating the injured.