encounter with security forces in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on Monday, police said. An intelligence input was received that some members of the Perimili Dalam of Naxalites were camping in a forest near Katrangatta village in Bhamragad taluka with an aim to carry out subversive activities during their ongoing Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) period, Superintendent of Police Neelotpal said.
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Two units of C-60 commandos, a specialised combat wing of the Gadchiroli police, were immediately sent for a search in the area, he said.
While the teams were carrying out the search operation, Naxalites fired at them indiscriminately, to which the C-60 personnel retaliated, the official said.
After the firing stopped, bodies of a male and two female Naxalites were recovered from the spot, he said.
One of them was identified as Vasu, in-charge and commander of the Perimili Dalam, the official said.
An AK-47 rifle, a carbine, an INSAS rifle, Naxal literature and items were also found at the spot, he 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.