While operation by security forces continued to eliminate ultra left extremists in the country,Telangana has witnessed a heavy casualty today.

At least six Maoists were killed and two police personal were injured. This was the outcome of an encounter Thursday morning in the Neeladrigutta forest area in Karakagudem mandal of Telangana, once the stronghold of naxalites. 

Reports indicate that the gunfight broke out near Neelandrigutta hillock when a police party was out on a combing operation in the forest area this morning, a report quoting police sources said.  

One of the top Maoist leaders from Telangana is believed to have been killed in the ‘encounter’. Police suspect that a group of Chhattisgarh-based armed Maoist rebels recently crossed over the forested border into Telangana. 

Police have launched an intensive search operation in the Neeladrigutta forest area following the incident. Further details are awaited.