Bhubaneswar, Dec 17 (IANS): Four Maoist camps were destroyed in Odisha's Kalahandi district, while about 40 Maoists including a central committee member escaped after exchanging fire with the police, said a police official.

Inspector General (south-western range) Yashwant Jethwa said they destroyed the Maoist camps in the Telan reserve forest under Urladani gram panchayat.

"Acting on intelligence inputs that the Maoists were trying to set up their base along the Kalahandi-Phulba border, we launched an attack on them. About 30-40 Maoists led by central committee member Jampanna escaped on seeing the police team," said Jethwa adding that there was no casualty in the police team.

Jampanna carries a reward of Rs. 25 lakh on his head.

The combing operation has been intensified in the forest reserve. The police have recovered Maoist literature, kitbags, solar panels, radio sets, batteries and 18 rounds of ammunition after the operation, said Jethwa.