The rebel leader was killed and another arrested on Monday during a fierce gun battle in the eastern state of Jharkhand, Xinhua news agency reported, citing police sources.

The shootout took place in the forests of Latehar district, about 108 km northwest of Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand state.

"After receiving intelligence about the presence of Naxalites in the forests of Karamhad and Dauna in Latehar, a police unit launched a search operation in the area last night. During the search, which continued until early Monday morning, a gunfight broke out as the Naxalites opened fire on the police,“ a police spokesman said. ”During the confrontation, one Naxalite commander was killed and another was arrested at the scene."

The police also stated that two assault rifles were found at the scene.