India, Sept. 20 -- Brijesh Ganjhu, alias Gopal Singh Bhokta, a senior commander of the banned Jharkhand-based Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), was killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Varanasi early Sunday, police said.

Ganjhu, who had been wanted in 39 cases, carried a combined reward of Rs 30 lakh. The Jharkhand government had announced Rs 25 lakh for information leading to his arrest, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced an additional reward of Rs 5 lakh.

The cases against Ganjhu included allegations of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, extortion, criminal conspiracy, illegal arms and offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He was also wanted by the N...