Bhubaneswar, Feb. 22 -- An exchange of fire took place between Maoists and security personnel in the Karada forest of Kandhamal district of Odisha, with reports indicating casualties among the Maoist group on Sunday.

The gun battle occurred near Nadabadi village and continued for nearly one and a half hours, according to initial inputs.

Security personnel had reportedly received intelligence that nearly 30 Maoists were present in the area. Acting on the input, the Special Operations Group (SOG) launched a combing and search operation in the forest. During the operation, an exchange of fire broke out between the Maoists and the police team.

The gunfire was still continuing at the time of reporting. Officials indicated that the operation...