The Naxalites turned themselves in before senior officials of the police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) citing disappointment with atrocities committed by the Maoists on tribals and the "inhuman and hollow" Maoist ideology, an official said.

The Saranda forest area in West Singhbhum district is a hotbed of Maoist activities, where security forces are continuously conducting search operations.

The encounter took place near Gobel and Thulthuli villages under Orcha police station limits on Friday. While police earlier said seven Naxalites were killed, they later revised the toll to six, that included three women.

The surrendered Naxalites received Rs 25,000 each and will be rehabilitated under the government’s policy, police officials confirmed.