In the aftermath of a clash between the Thunderbolts commandos and suspected Maoists in the Urupukutty forest area of Ayyankunnu panchayat on Monday, security forces are maintaining constant surveillance in hilly regions, including Ramachi, Kolithattu, and Ambayathode.
The confrontation unfolded when the Maoists attacked a Thunderbolt team on patrol, triggering an exchange of gunfire in which two Maoists reportedly suffered injuries. The ongoing police cordon has hindered a full assessment of the incident.
A case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was filed at Karikottakari police station. The area had also been cordoned off, said District Police Chief (Rural) M. Hemalatha.
Anti-Terrorism Squad DIG Putta Vimaladitya reported that eight Maoists opened fire on the police patrol party in the Urupukutty forest.
“So far, we do not have any evidence that any of the Maoists suffered injuries. The police have been searching for the armed gang since morning and there are suspicions that they managed to escape into the dense forest,” he said in a statement.
Residents were told exercise caution across the Aralam, Kelakam, Karikottakari, and Ulikkal police station limits..
This recent clash follows Maoist attacks in Wayanad’s Chapparat and Aralam forests. Earlier, confrontation between Maoists and forest watchers had been reported from Aralam. Subsequently, two Maoists were arrested at Chapparat and three reportedly escaped.
The security forces are maintaining constant surveillance in hilly regions, including Ramachi, Kolithattu, and Ambayathode.
