Three Maoists rebels were killed in a gun battle with police in Andhra Pradesh's Khammam district Friday. Police said the guerrillas, belonging to Praja Pratighatana, were killed in the forests of Regulaguda.
Praja Pratighatna is a splinter Maoist group active in some pockets of Telangana region.
A police party engaged in combing operations came face to face with a group of about 20 Maoists who were holding a meeting in the forest.
When asked to surrender, the rebels opened fire forcing the police to retaliate, district superintendent of police R.K. Meena said.
Bodies of three guerrillas were recovered after nearly an hour-long gun battle. No policeman was injured. The other rebels managed to escape into the deep forests.
Police also recovered two 8mm rifles, two double barrel guns and kitbags from the scene of the encounter.
Meanwhile, a shutdown called by the Communist Party of India-Maoist evoked partial response in parts of Warangal, Khammam and Karimnagar districts. It was to protest the killing of four Maoists by the police in Warangal district Sep 15.