A reserve sub-inspector of police was killed in an exchange of fire with Maoists in Cuddapah district on Wednesday.

According to police, the encounter took place when a special police party was undertaking combing operations near the sprawling YSR Estate belonging to Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy's family at Vempally.

On a tip-off that some Maoists were camping in the area with the intention to mount an attack on YSR Estate, a special police party launched combing operations in the area on Tuesday evening.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the police party, comprising 40 police personnel, ran into Maoists hiding in the area. In the exchange of fire that ensued, reserve sub-inspector Narasimhulu was killed.

On receipt of information, Cuddapah Superintendent of Police Nagi Reddy rushed to the area with reinforcements.

The police said the encounter actually took place at Reddicheruvu near Palakonda between Chakrayapet and YSR's farmhouse at Vempally.