Bhubaneswar, Feb. 23 -- Odisha moved closer to its goal of becoming Maoist-free after two Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in the Nandabadi forest under Kandhamal district on Sunday.

Security personnel have continued intensive combing operations in the forest area on Monday following intelligence inputs about the possible presence of senior Maoist leaders.

The operation was launched on Sunday after security forces received information about a Maoist group hiding in the Karada forest. An exchange of fire between the Maoists and security personnel lasted for over one and a half hours.

Reports indicated that several Maoists were killed in the encounter, while others retreated deeper into the forest.

The bod...