Belthangady : The Maoists and the Anti Naxal Force (ANF) at Kuthloor in Venoor of Belthangady had an exchange of fire on the evening of Friday around 5:30 p.m.

According to IGP (Western Range) Prathap Reddy, the ANF saw a group of Maoists, when they were engaged in its usual combing operation.

He said that ANF fired three rounds, when the six Maoists opened fire first. Later the Maoists escaped.

But the residents of Punjalabetta opine that ANF has built a story to strengthen their case against Vittal Malekudiya, a resident of Kuthloor. They came to know from television news and did not hear any firing.