Patna May 15 : At least six Maoists were killed and three policemen were injured late on Wednesday evening in a fierce gun battle in Matahi forest area of Navada district in Bihar.

The encounter lasted for five hours. Inspector General of Police (Operations) S. K. Bhardwaj said that the combing operation, which was suspended due to darkness, has restarted this morning.

Police have recovered 40 kgs of RDX, six cane bombs, five rifles and a large number of cartridges. The Maoists claim that they are fighting for the rights of poor peasants and landless labourers and routinely call strikes, attack government property and target local politicians. (ANI)