Top Maoist commander Hidma is suspected to be among the dead, but the formal confirmation is awaited.
Hidma is among the most wanted Maoists who has been part of some of the deadliest attacks over the decades, such as the Dantewada massacre in 2010 in which at least 76 CRPF personnel were killed.
Alluri Sitaramaraju SSP Amit Bardar said the encounter was carried out between 6.30 am and 7 am in the forested area of Maredumilli region of the distric.
"Yes, six Maoists were killed in an encounter in Alluri district today (Tuesday)," Bardar told PTI.
Bardar said it was a joint operation carried out by various wings of the police department.
Separately, NDTV reported that the encounter took place in forest near the tri-junction of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. Several Maoist hideouts have been traced in the region.
Andhra Pradesh police chief Harish Kumar Gupta said a "top Maoist leader" was among the dead.
"A massive combing operation is currently underway," said Gupta, as per NDTV.
This is a developing story.
