In a major breakthrough against Maoist insurgency, three Naxals carrying a collective bounty of Rs 15 lakh, including a key militia commander, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Sunday, police said. A cache of weapons and ammunition, including a .303 rifle and BGL launchers, was recovered from the encounter site.

The security officials launched the operation early morning on receiving credible information about Maoist presence in the forested and hilly terrain in the region.

"Intermittent firing took place during the search operation, and so far, three Maoist cadres have been neutralised," Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said.

The slain Naxals include Madvi Deva, a Janmilitia Commander, sniper specialist, and Konta Area Commi

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