Hyderabad, Jul 15 (IANS): Police in Telangana's Bhadradri-Kothagudem district launched massive search operations for Maoists in the area bordering Chhattisgarh after an exchange of fire on Wednesday.

Police said 25 teams comprising 500 personnel were conducting search operations in Manuguru forest following information about the movement of members of Communist Party of India (Maoist) in the area.

Bhadradri-Kothagudem District Superintendent of Police Sunil Dutt said during the search operations an exchange of fire took place on Wednesday morning in Mallepallitogu area.

Around 30 Maoists escaped deep into forest leaving behind their kits. The police officer said the search operations were continuing to nab the Maoists who had sneaked in from the neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

Another exchange of fire between police and Maoists was reported from Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district bordering Maharashtra. Policemen, who were engaged in the combing operations in Mangi forest area came face to face with three Maoists and there was gunfight.

The Maoists escaped into deep forest. Police continued the search operations to nab them.

Police teams were carrying out search operations in Mangi and adjoining forests for last three days following tip-off about the movement of Maoists.

The police in Telangana have successfully thwarted the attempts by Maoists to revive their activity during last six years. However, in the areas bordering Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, the banned outfit has been making efforts to revive activity.