Search operation for Maoists beefed up in Odisha-Jharkhand border

Suspecting that Maoists might have sneaked into Jharkhand after abducting Odisha's BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka two days ago, the state police and para-military forces today launched a massive combing operation in the Maoist-infested pockets bordering Odisha.

SDPO (Ghatsila) Naresh Kumar said the forces launched a massive operation in the dense forest in Maoist-stronghold Ghurabandha in search of the ultras.

"We have not found anything in the operation, which was still on," he said.

The operation in naxal-infested pockets of East Singhbhum district was regular and "we have launched the combing operation since March 23," he said adding that two of our team were still engaged in the operation.

Jhina Hikaka, MLA of Laxmipur and a tribal, was abducted by Maoists in Koraput district of Odishia in the early hours of March 24.

He said Senior Superintendent of Police, Akhilesh Kumar Jha led the operation in Ghurabandha area bordering Odisha since morning today.

Kumar said the security personnel and district police have interacted with the villagers at several places in course of the operation to inculcate confidence among them.