India, Nov. 16 -- Three Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in a forested area at Tumalpad in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Sunday, police said.

The gunfight broke out when an operation was launched based on inputs about the movement of Maoists, Sukma police superintendent Kiran Chavan said.

The exchange of fire continued intermittently, after which the bodies of three Maoists, including two women, were recovered. A .303 rifle, Barrel Grenade Launchers, other weapons, and explosives were seized from the scene.

The three were identified as Madvi Deva, Podiam Gangi, and Sodhi Gangi, who carried a bounty of Rs.5 lakh each on their heads. Police said Deva was a sniper specialist allegedly involved in civilian...