Malkangiri, June 25: A hardcore Maoist was reportedly gunned down by security personnel during an exchange of fire between them at Dhamatari on the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border early Tuesday morning. 

The slain Maoist was identified as Arun Kumar Mandvi, area commander of Sitananda of the outlawed Maoist group. He was carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh on his head. 

security personnel seized SLR, 15 live cartridges, and other arms and ammunition from the spot. 

According to the information, a team of security personnel was conducting an anti-Maoist operation at Amajahar jungle under the Khilari police station limits when Maoists opened fire at them. The security personnel undertook a retaliation and the exchange fire continued for about 45 minutes. The body of the hardcore Maoist was recovered later.

The combing operation has been expedited in the area and searches are on.