Jagdalpur-Bastar, March 25 -- The bodies of three Naxals who were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh have been recovered, a senior police officer said.

Bastar IG Sundarraj P told ANI, "...Bodies of 3 male Naxalites have been recovered. An INSAS, .12 bore pistol recovered from the encounter site. One of the killed Naxalites has been identified as Sudhir. He had a reward of Rs 25 lakh on his head. The other 2 are being identified".

The search operation is underway, the official said.

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said there is a possibility that more bodies may be recovered.

"Till now, the bodies of three Naxals have been recovered...These figures may vary and increase...