Raipur, Sep 18 - In one of Chhattisgarh's biggest drives against Maoist insurgents, at least 10 guerrillas and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer were killed as over 500 policemen pounded rebel hideouts across Bastar region Friday.

The gunfights broke out in thickly forested stretches, some 450 km south of the state capital Raipur, in Dantewada district that is described India's worst Maoist-hit district.

'We have encircled over 100 Maoist terrorists in their stronghold at more than one location. Their landmine protected bases and arms factory were put under heavy fire. About two dozens insurgents were feared killed but we have collected 10 bodies so far,' Girdhari Nayak, additional director general of police, told IANS.