Belpahari, West Medinipur, Oct 26 (UNI) At least three women were today critically injured when they came under a crossfire between Maoist guerillas and CRPF at Belparahi in West Medinipur, about 210 km west of Kolkata, official sources said.

The encounter between the rebels and law enforcing agencies, that began at 1330 hours, was still continuing as reports came in, District Magistrate N S Nigam said.

The police-rebel gun battle began when a CRPF patrol van came under heavy firing from the armed ultras at Domoni bridge, about 80 km east of West Midinipur town, after the vehicle came to a grinding halt following a landmine blast that planted by the guerrillas.

After the blast, the amred guerrillas started indiscrimate firing on the beleaguered CRPF jawans. Later the Jawans, about foureteen, one after another got down from the damaged vehicle and retaliated the firing.

During encounter at the bridge over Jamuna rivule, two passenger buses came under the cross firing, in which three woman passengers of one of the vehicles received bullet injuries. One of the injured was tribal, who was carrying a baby, Mr Nigam said.

The vehicles were going towards Chandrakona from Silda.

The injured were still to be evacuated, Mr Nigam Added.

Reinforcement from Jamtalgarh, Neburia, Rangapani and Belpahari was sent to the troubled area, Mr Nigam said.

District Superintendent of Police Raj Shekharan also rushed to the spot.

UNI