Raipur, Oct 15 (PTI) A key Naxal leader, who was involved in the recent attack on BSF personnel in Bastar, and his wife were today killed in an encounter at Durg district, police said.

Nagesh, a hardcore Maoist operating in North Bastar area, and his wife Tarabai were killed in an encounter near Shivpur village, about 45 kms from here, early this morning, Inspector General (Durg Range) R K Vij told PTI over the phone.

The ultra arrived in Durg to procure cartridges, when a police team spotted him and his wife.

"Police tried to stop him, but he fired at them. The security personnel returned the fire, killing the husband-wife duo," Vij said.

Another Naxal managed to flee from the spot, he added.

Two pistols and Rs 49,000 in cash, among other things, were recovered from the duo. Nagesh was involved in the recent killing of BSF jawans in the Bastar region, the IG said.

Besides, he was facing several murder, attempt to murder and kidnapping cases, Vij said, adding his wife also faced similar charges.