GADCHIROLI: In one of the biggest operations, security forces on Sunday gunned down at least 14 Maoists in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, an official said.

Among those killed included at least a couple of high-ranking unit commanders.

A fierce gun fight took place in a thickly forested area between the Maoists and security forces in which the rebels suffered huge reverses, the official said.

More details of the operation are awaited.

Gadchiroli, around 900 km east of Mumbai, is considered a Maoist hub.