PATNA, Jan. 1 -- A Maoist zonal Commander carrying a bounty of Rs.50,000 on his head was killed in an encounter with Bihar STF and Begusarai police late on Wednesday, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Dayanand Malakar, secretary of the north-Bihar Central Zonal Committee of the outlawed CPI-Maoist. Two of his associates were arrested, they said.

ADG (Operation) Kundan Krishnan confirmed the incident and said one 5.56 MM INSAS rifle, a country-made pistol, 25 live cartridges and 15 spent cartridges from the spot. "More than 16 cases of murder, explosives act and Arms Act, have been registered against Dayanand in Begusarai, Khagaria and Muzaffarpur districts," said Krishnan.

The encounter took place in Nonpur village of Te...