A clash between Indian security forces and Maoist rebels in the lush central Indian state of Chhattisgarh left 31 insurgents dead, police said Sunday.

The fight in the Bajapur district of Chattisgarh also left two Indian commandos dead. Other security personnel were injured in the clash.

Inspector General of Police in Chattisgarh, Pattilingam Sundarraj said security forces commenced the anti-rebel operation based on intelligence that a large number of Maoists were present in the area. The authorities also recovered weapons and ammunition after the battle.