As many as four Maoists were gunned down during an exchange of fire between the ultras and security forces at the Sirla forest in Tumudibandha area of Kandhamal district early on Sunday morning, informed SP Prateek Singh.
Singh, who rushed to the site along with other senior police officers, said a woman cadre was among the slain Maoists. Some ultras were also injured.
The deceased Maoists were identified as cadres of the BGN Division of Maoist organisation.
Acting on a tipoff regarding existence of a Maoist camp at the forest, DVF and SOG jawans raided the spot. An exchange of fire broke out between the two sides, during which four of the Maoists sustained bullet injuries and died.
A huge cache of arms and ammunition has also been seized from the Maoist camp. Combing operation in the area has been intensified after the incident.