In Chhattisgarh, seven Maoists, including three female rebels, were killed in an encounter with security forces today. <br />'' <br />'' The gunbattle took place in the forest of Tiriya in Bastar district. <br />'' <br />'' AIR correspondent reports that after a specific input that a large number of Maoists are present in the bordering area of Chhattisgarh and Odisha a joint team of District Reserve Guard and Special Task Force was sent on a search operation. <br />'' <br />'' According to IG Police of Bastar Range Vivekanand Sinha the exchange of fire took place today evening at the jungles of Tiriya and Machkot in Nagarnar area of Bastar district. <br />'' <br />'' The gun battle lasted for over one hour. <br />'' <br />'' Police recovered the bodies of killed Maoists. Seven weapons, including two rifles, were also recovered from the spot. <br />