Six Maoists were believed to be killed in a fierce encounter between the rebels and security forces in Latehar, Jharkhand today which has also left two security men critically injured.

The injured are a CoBRA jawan and another of the Jaguar force, Latehar Superintendent Kranti Kumar told reporters. The encounter began around 11.30 am in Karamdih.

Asked how many rebels were killed, Inspector General of Police (Operation) R K Malik would only confirm the ''fierce encounter''. ''Unless bodies (of rebels) are recovered, we can't confirm the casualties," he said.

The security personnel were combing the jungles when they came up against the rebels, the police said.

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