The Andhra Pradesh police shot dead three Naxalites belonging to the outlawed People's War group in Bandia Mottu village of Guntur district on Monday morning.

The encounter took place during a combing operation launched in the aftermath of a landmine blast on Sunday that killed three policemen.

Earlier on Sunday morning, three Naxalites were killed in a fierce battle between the police and the Naxalites in Kottur village.

State Director General of Police P Ramulu is in Guntur to monitor the combing operation. Additional Central Reserve Police Force companies from neighbouring districts have joined the police in the hunt.