Odisha: Security forces exchange heavy fire with Maoists

A joint team of security personnel comprising SOG jawans from Koraput and Malkangiri districts on Wednesday had an extensive exchange of fire with Maoists in forests near Majhiguda in Odisha's southern region.

According to police, based on intelligence inputs about the movement of a group of Maoists in forests near Majhiguda, situated on the borders of Koraput and Malkangiri districts, under Boipariguda police limits, an operation was launched in the wee hours today.

"There were around 15 to 20 Maoists. They spotted our men and started firing. In retaliation, our men fired back. Though several rounds were fired from either side during the gun-battle but no injury or casualty has been reported," said IG (south-western range) Yashwant Kumar Jethwa.

Police said the exchange of fire took place at around 4 AM and while coming across the crime spot, security men recovered one SLR gun and a .303 gun, he said.