Bhubaneswar: Security forces are likely to step up their operation against Maoists, especially in Malkangiri and Koraput districts, to prevent possible infiltration by the rebels from Chhattisgarh.

"There is a chance of Maoists from Chhattisgarh entering our state, especially Malkangiri and Koraput. The rebels invariably become more active during the rainy season assuming that rains will slow down our operations. But we are going to go all out against them," said a senior police officer who did not want to be named.

Sources said taking advantage of heavy rain, the Maoists have already intensified their activities in Malkangiri and Koraput, both considered their strongholds. Last month, they killed Ganga Madkami, 35, a resident of Sudhakonda village in Malkangiri's, suspecting him of being a police informer.

A group of rebels had barged into Madkami's house at midnight and abducted him. Villagers found his bullet-ridden body in a nearby forest later. Near the body, the rebels left posters accusing him and a fellow other villagers of police being police informers.

Before this, the Maoists had shot at and injured the headman of Malkangiri's Sialkota village Mangulu Wanjami, 45, for the same reason. Police officials fear the Maoist violence could escalate if rebels from Chhattisgarh join forces with the local cadres. "We have seen this happening and cannot take chances," said an official.

Sources said the security forces would conduct similar operations in Sundargarh and Sambalpur, where the rebels enjoy the support of Jharkhand cadres.