Jamshedpur (PTI): Suspected Maoists exchanged fire with security forces in extremist-hit Patamda area of Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district on Friday evening, on the eve of Independence day.

A police force, along with other security personnel, was on routine long-range patrolling, when it was fired by ultras at Lotakocha, about eight km away from Koilani police picket, forcing the security personnel to retaliate, DIG Manoj Mishra told PTI.

There was no report of any casualty on the police side during the 30-minute fire fight.

Why it could not be immediately ascertained how many rounds were exchange, unconfirmed reports said while security personnel used mortar, the ultras fired around 15 to 20 rounds.

Superintendent of Police Navin Kumar Singh went to the area with reinforcements.