Sukma: In a clash between police and Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district early on Wednesday, three left wing extremists were gunned down and one was arrested. Four rifles and a pistol were also recovered from the site, police said.

Superintendent of Police (Sukma) Abhishek Meena said: "A police party was out on patrol. As they reached Muler forests adjoining Dantewada-Sukma district border -- some 10 km from here -- they were ambushed by Maoists."

The gun-battle continued for at least an hour, leading to killing of three Maoists. The police personnel also nabbed one of the three injured extremists, while the two other managed to flee, Meena said.

Two of the killed have been identified as militia commander and militia deputy commander of the militant outfit.