Balangir, Sept. 6: Security forces gunned down a Maoist in an exchange of fire at Jalmahadev at the foothills of the densely-forested Gandhamardan hills within the limits of Khaprakhole police station, about 90km from here, this afternoon.

The Police have also launched a search operation following the firing as some more Maoists are believed to have sustained injuries in the encounter.

Deputy inspector general (northern range) Sanjaya Kumar said they had found the body of one rebel.

Sources in the police said that they had launched the combing operation in the forest near Jalmahadev village in the forenoon following specific intelligence input about the presence of the rebels.

The police team spotted a Maoist camp, where about 20 rebels, including some women, were present.

The rebels, however, opened fire as soon as they saw the security forces. The gun battle ensued and one Maoist was killed.

Kumar said: “Maoists had been carrying out violent activities in Bargarh, Balangir and Nuapada districts for quite sometime. They had stepped up hostility after an encounter on August 30.”

On August 30, the police had gunned down a Chhattisgarh cadre Maoist in an encounter in Dandel reserve forest near Khujen village here.