A Maoist rebel was killed in a fierce gun battle with security forces Friday in a forested area of Odisha's Koraput district, an official said.
The exchange of fire took place near Potangi, over 400 km from here, when a group of rebels came face to face with a Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The paramilitary forces were moving in the area close to Andhra Pradesh border, as part of the anti-Maoist operation.
"A Maoist was killed in the exchange of fire. His dead body was recovered from the site. An Insas rifle was also seized," Inspector General of Police (Operation) S.K. Priyadarshi told IANS.
Further details are awaited, Priyadarshi added.
Maoists are active in more than half of the state. The district of Koraput is considered one of their strongholds.
