Rayagada, Dec 16: A group of elephant tusk smugglers fired gunshots at the forest and STF personnel while the latter raided them in Malimunda and Jarapa villages under the Muniguda forest range in Rayagada district last night. 

According to the information, Muniguda forest personnel and special task force (STF) team personnel conducted raids in the two villages after being informed that smugglers were making a deal to sell elephant tusks. They rose to action based on a tip-off from a reliable source. 

During the raid, the team found two trolly bags packed with valuable elephant tusks and arrested three smugglers. However, other associates of the arrestees fired at the raiding teams to release them and get back their tusks. Later, six gunshots were marked on the front glass visor and iron panel below it. The mafia also broke the back glass panel of another vehicle.  

Acting on a complaint, the local police rose to action and detained five on suspicion. 

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