Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres cut off the pipeline of Essar Company near Digha Janbai village under Ralegada Panchayat of Chitrakonda Block in Malkangiri District of Odisha early on April 24 (today), reports Pragativadi. Reportedly, the Maoists have destroyed the pipeline as it was near the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB). Earlier on January 21, the Maoists had allegedly snapped the pipeline of Essar, as a result, iron ore passing through the line pervaded over the farmland thereby damaging the crop. The Maoist had earlier released a letter claiming that it was not their action and further demanded that the Company should pay compensation the farmers affected in the incident.
Meanwhile, Maoists attacked the office of Banigoccha (East) Forest Range at Kuanria in Nayagarh District of Odisha on April 23, reports Odisha Sun Times. However, no casualty was reported in the incident. Sources said around seven armed Maoists entered the office at around 9.10 pm after snapping electricity supply in the area. They ransacked the office and looted four country-made guns from the office. The Maoists also threatened the foresters to kill them if they scream and later put up posters on the office walls before fleeing the spot, said Hemant Kandi, an official, who was present at that time.