NEW DELHI, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Two Naxals and a paramilitary trooper of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed in a gunfight Wednesday in India's eastern state of Jharkhand, police said.

The gunfight broke out between Naxals and joint contingents of police and CRPF in the Kashitand forest of Lugu hills in Bokaro district, about 83 km northeast of Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand.

"During the stand-off, two Naxals, including a commander, were killed," a police official said. "While fighting these Naxals, a paramilitary trooper of the CRPF was critically wounded. However, he succumbed while being airlifted to Ranchi from the jungle area."

Police also claimed the recovery of an assault rifle from the possession of slain Naxals.

Officials said a search operation was underway to trace the Naxals. ■