Malkangiri (Odisha): The security forces gunned down five Maoists, including a woman during an encounter that broke out on Monday in a forest in Malkangiri district.The exchange of fire took place near Paplur area, when Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel were conducting a combing operation, Director General of Police (DGP), R P Sharma said.

Luckily, no security personnel were injured in the operation.

As per DGP RP Sharma, the number of casualties of naxals is likely to mount after search operation in the area is complete.

DGP further said, “During the search operation, the security forces recovered two INSAS rifles, one SLR, one 303 rifle and a hand grenade from the spot”.

The efforts are on to find out other Maoists who ran away from the spot while the encounter was underway.  Two teams of SOG have been conducting a combing operation since Sunday and they spotted a group of Maoists in the jungle.

It is suspected that Maoist leader 'Randev', who was present at the spot, escaped from the area, they said.