India, Feb. 5 -- A Maoist was killed in an ongoing exchange of fire with security forces in a forested area in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Thursday, taking the number of slain Left-wing insurgents in the state this year to at least 23 amid heightened anti-insurgency operations.

Police said that the gunbattle was triggered around 7.30am. Intermittent firing was reported from the scene even as the body of the slain Maoist and an AK-47 rifle were recovered. An official said further details will be shared after the operation concludes.

People aware of the matter identified the slain Maoist as Udham Singh, a Maoist divisional committee member, even as his identity was not confirmed officially.

On January 3, 14 Maoists were gunned dow...