Raipur, Feb 18: At least 17 people, including 6 CRPF personnel, were killed in a fierce gun battle between security forces and Maoists in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh this afternoon.

The gunbattle took place in Mirtur area of the district between 1 p. m. and 3 p. m. in which at least 11 Moaists were killed, a senior CRPF official said.

Security personnel, who are combing the area, have recovered 11 bodies of the ultras so far.

A number of Naxals are believed to be injured in the gun battle and the CRPF is expecting to recover more bodies of the Ultras, the official said.

Among the CRPF victims, he said, three are constables while the others are head constables.

According to government estimates, Maoists are active in 15 of the 19 districts in Chhattisgarh. (ANI)