An exchange of fire took place between cadres of Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) and Security Forces (SFs) in the Sumerbandh area under Phiringia Police Station limits in Kandhamal District of Odisha on January 18, reports The Pioneer. On receiving inputs about the presence of Maoists of the KKBN (Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh) Division in the forest, Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel launched a combing operation. But spotting the SOG personnel, the Maoists opened fire, to which the police retaliated leading to a gun-battle. However, there were no reports of any casualties from both sides. Following the gunfight, the SFs destroyed a Maoist camp and have launched a combing operation in the area to trace the fleeing Maoists.