India, May 3 -- A Maoist commander was killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, police said on Saturday.

"The deceased Maoist was identified as Yogesh Kosra alias Ayatu, a divisional committee member. He was the commander of senior Maoist leaders Manoj," an officer said.

The police have recovered an automatic rifle, and a search operation in the area is still underway.

"The gunfight took place on Friday night inside a forest under Jugad police station. A joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation when the Maoists fired on them," inspector general of police (Raipur range, Amresh Mishra said.

He added that once the firing ceased, the body of a Maoist and a firearm w...