The security forces on Saturday killed four Naxals in an encounter that broke out in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh. A joint team of the Special Task Force (STF) and Border Security Force (BSF) had launched a search operation after getting inputs about the presence of Naxals in the area.

TheSTF also recovered seven weapons and live bullets along with bodies of theNaxals. "After the exchange of fire stopped, bodies of four cadres, includingthree women, were recovered from the spot," said a top police officer.

TheNaxals were killed days after three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)personnel and a civilian were killed in an encounter in Keshkutul area ofBijapur district in the State.