Bhopal, Jun 20 (IANS): Three armed Maoists, including a woman, were gunned down during an encounter in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district, police said on Monday.

According to the police, the victims, aged between 35 to 40 years, were associated with Platoon 56 of the Vistar Dalam and Darekasa Dalam.

The encounter was carried out by the Balaghat Police Hawk Force in Kadla village under the Bahela police station limits.

Confirming the development, Inspector-General of Police Sanjay Singh said: "Three naxals were killed and police personnel present at the spot are carrying out an investigation."

One of them also carried a bounty on his head, he added.

Balaghat, a tribal-dominated area in Madhya Pradesh is connected with the neighbouring state of Chhatishgarh.

During a meeting last week with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed him that the process of recruiting local youth in the Balaghat Police Hawk Force will begin soon and a policy will be unveiled for surrendered naxals.