The skirmish took place this afternoon at a forest near Munga village in Dantewada, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dantewada range) Sundarraj P told PTI.
A joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was out on a search operation in the interiors of Katekalyan area, located around 400 kms from here, he said.
When the security men were advancing to Munga, they came under fire from a group of armed rebels leading to the gun-battle between the two sides, the DIG said.
"During a search, a 12 bore gun, an air gun, three 'pitthus' (shoulder bags) and some daily use items were recovered from the spot," he said.
Further details are awaited as the combing operation was still underway, he added.