Three Naxals, including two females, were killed by security forces in an encounter in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on Monday.
The police said security forces launched an operation after receiving intelligence input about some members of the Perimili Dalam of Naxalites camping in a forest near Katrangatta village in Bhamragad taluka and they were planning to carry out subversive activities during their ongoing Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) period.
Superintendent of Police Neelotpal said, two units of C-60 commandos, a specialised combat wing of the Gadchiroli police, were immediately sent for a search in the area.
During the search operation, Naxals fired at the security officials indiscriminately, to which the C-60 personnel retaliated, the official added.
After the firing stopped, bodies of a male and two female Naxalites were recovered from the spot, he added.
One of them was identified as Vasu, in-charge and commander of the Perimili Dalam, the official said.
The anti-Naxal operation was underway in the area, the police added.
Naxalites undertake the TCOC from March-June to strengthen their cadres and launch major attacks on security forces as forests are devoid of green cover, thereby increasing visibility.
(With PTI inputs)
