Heavy exchange of fire took place between Maoists and police in a forest area bordering Warangal and Khammam districts of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday.
Acting on information about the presence of Maoists, the Warangal and Khammam police launched a joint operation near a hill between Gangaram and Chitpally forest belt, Superintendent of Police, Khammam, RK Meena said.
The Maoists exploded a landmine and subsequently the two sides exchanged heavy firing. The police suspect that about 20 Maoists, including a top member of the group - Ravi alias Ganesh, escaped the scene.
The recoveries made from the spot included 300 gelatine sticks, 13 landmines and five kitbags, Meena said adding the combing operation was on in the area.
There was no report of any causalities on either side, police said.