In a fierce gun-battle with Naxals in forests of Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Sukma district, fourteen policemen were injured on Saturday (21 March), reports India TV.

Additionally, 13 security personnel were reportedly untraceable in the forests following the encounter, a senior official said. The gun battle between the Naxals took place in the afternoon near Korajguda hills in Chintagufa area.

"A police team was on patrol in the Chintagufa Thana area of the district when the Naxals ambushed them," said a source in the Police Headquarters. "The exchange of fire continued for some time in which atleast eight jawans were injured and a rebel was killed," said a police source.

This was a joint team of security forces carrying out an anti-Naxal operation, and personnel of the police's District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) had launched the operation from Chintagufa, Burkapal and Timelwada camps.

According to security forces, four to five Naxals might have been killed and the same number injured.

"So far there is no report of death of any personnel in the encounter. However, at least 13 jawans could not be contacted after the encounter. Around 150 security personnel
are still out in the forest," the police official added.

(WIth inputs from IANS)