India, Feb. 19 -- At least four suspected Maoists, including three women, were killed in a gun battle with the security forces in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, a senior police officer said.

Police recovered an INSAS (Indian small arms system) rifle, a SLR (self-loading rifle) rifle and a 3o3 rifle from their possession.

"Acting on tip off movement of Maoist near the Raunda Forest camp of Soopkhar forest area, more than 12 teams of Hawk force, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and district police force conducted a search operation," Balaghat additional superintendent of police Vijay Dabar said.

Dabar added that when the Maoist opened fire, the force retaliated. "After the gunfight...