Three Maoists arrested in Odisha

Three Maoists were arrested and three country-made guns seized from them during a combing operation in Koraput district of Odisha, police said today.

Acting on a tip-off, Koraput police arrested the ultras, identified as Ara Praska, Satya Nachka and Chuda Naik from Ranjitguda forest yesterday, they said.

"Wind machine, gun powder, metallic parts, cutting blades, hammers, sharpening instruments and ball pellets meant for manufacturing guns were also seized from the trio," Superintendent of Police (Koraput), Awinash Kumar said.

Police said the three rebels were in the armed squad of the outlawed outfit and participated in several Maoist offensives. "The guns were being supplied to cadres in Laxmipur and Narayanpatna," the SP said.

Combing operation has been intensified in the area and the arrested ultras were being interrogated, police said.