At least two policemen were killed in an exchange of fire between the police and the maoists in the Nuapada district of Odisha on Friday.

The deceased include one jawan of the District Voluntary Force and one SPO.

According to police sources, the incident took place near Datunama village in the Sunabeda Sanctuary last evening when the policemen were returning to their base camp after petrolling.

The bodies of the victims have been recovered from the site. Police have intensified a search operation in the area to nab the culprits.

The maoists attack is being seen against the backdrop of the recent protests by the villagers of the Sunabeda Santuary area who rose in arms against the maoists.