RAIPUR: A special task force (STF) constable was injured during a fierce encounter between the security force and Maoists in the forest of Gariyaband district, close to the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, on Sunday.
STF chief Vijay Pandey said that the security personnel were conducting a search operation when the rebels opened fire, leading to an encounter at Amamora hills on the Odisha side.
After continuing firing for some time, the rebels retreated into the nearby forest even as the forces began a combing operation in the area to flush out the Maoists.
A constable Yuvaraj Sagar, who had sustained bullet injuries on his abdomen, was initially taken to a hospital at Manipur where he was given first aid and was later airlifted to the state capital for treatment at a super speciality hospital.
His condition was reported to be stable.
STF chief said an operation was launched late on Saturday following an input about the presence of Maoists in the Dongerjog forest area.
The chief said the rebels, about 15 to 20 in numbers, opened fire at the team involved in the search operation, which also retaliated.
Later, the Maoists fled in the forest towards Odisha side, he said, adding that Odisha police also cordoned off the area and a search operation continued.
He further said that two teams of STF were part of the operation.
Additional teams were sent to the encounter spot from where the security forces recovered certain materials used by the Maoists.
