Over 100 armed Naxals attacked security forces conducting search operation in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district on Sunday morning, killing five personnel, including three from the Border Security Force, and injuring one, the police said.
At least three naxals are also believed to have been killed in the exchange of fire, Additional Director General of Police Ramniwas said.
He said 77 security personnel comprising officers and jawans from the BSF, the district police and special police officers were out in the jungles for "area domination" exercise.
Naxals opened fire as soon as the security personnel reached the forests near Bhuski village killing five of them, he said.
The security forces retaliated, forcing the outlaws to flee. He said the police who searched the area where the exchange of fire took place came across a pool of blood indicating there could be many casualties on the part of Naxals as well.
However, the police were able to spot only three bodies being taken away by the naxals.
An SPO sustained a bullet wound in his leg and has been admitted to hospital.
Superintendent of Police of Kanker Ajay Yadav said the Naxals have taken away arms of the five security personnel after killing them.
He said additional police force has been deployed in the area following the incident.
