Combing operations are on for the second day today in Tamil Nadu forests, bordering Kerala, following reports that a group of AK 47-wielding Maoists would make an infiltration bid. This follows an exchange of fire between police and extremists in Ambalappara in Kerala three days ago.

Armed guards have already been posted at check posts, where they are engaged in intensified vehicle check to prevent the entry of extremists through Coimbatore via Anaikatty and Pandalur in the Nilgiris district.

Considering the rumours that one of the four-member gang of extremists was injured in the shootout, police are also keeping strict vigil in hospitals adjoining the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.

Sleuths from Special Task Force and Naxal Special Division are on the move in and around Kinnakkorai and Cherampadi in the Nilgiris district, to prevent the reported movement of Maoists, they said.

Residents in the border areas have been asked to alert the Department if they come across strangers in their villages.