Raipur, July 18 -- Six bodies of Naxalites have been recovered in the ongoing exchange of fire between security forces and Maoists in Chhattisgarh Abujhmad region of Narayanpur District, a top police officer said.

"A huge quantity of weapons, including AK-47 rifles and SLR rifles, have been recovered so far from the spot. Search operation is underway," said Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Bastar range of Chhattisgarh, Sundarraj.

Earlier, twenty-three Naxalites, carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 1.18 crore, surrendered in Sukma district. The group comprises 14 men and nine women, all identified as hardcore Naxalites, said officials.

Sukma SP Kiran Chauhan earlier said, "23 Naxalites have surrendered. All are hardcore Naxalites. Th...