Angul, June 30: The industrial town today witnessed the first ever exchange of fire between police and Maoists in the jungles of Chhendipada.

The gunfight had lasted for nearly an hour, after which, the rebels managed to escape inside the deep forest.

Police sources said no one from their side was hurt while they did not have any information if any rebel was injured in the exchange of fire.

Inspector general of police (north central range) P.S. Ranapise said: “Early this morning, when special operation group jawans were combing the jungles within the Chhendipada police station limits, they confronted a group of armed Maoists, who opened fire at them. The jawans retaliated. After some time, the rebels ran away. Keeping in view the presence of the rebels in the border areas of Angul district, more combing operations will be undertaken.”

There were reports of movement of Maoists at the villages of Satkosia jungles and Handappa. Villagers had allegedly informed the police about the presence of about 20 armed cadres, including some women, who had come to their villages and held meetings with them.

Though the police initially dismissed the report, later it started combing at villages within the limits of Krushnachakragarh and Thakurgarh police stations.

Combing has been going on for the past one week in vulnerable areas. This is the first time there has been official confirmation of the Maoists’ presence in one of the industrially advanced districts. The villagers situated in the border areas of the district are living in fear.