Maoists attack police vehicles in Jharkhand

A deputy superintendent and other policemen had a narrow escape when Maoists triggered a landmine blast just after their vehicles crossed an area, triggering an exchange of fire on NH-75 in Jharkhand's Latehar district on Monday.

The 11 policemen and Deputy Superintendent of Police Anup Badaik were in two vehicles when the Maoists triggered the blast in Maneka police station area close to Palamau district, Latehar Superintendent of Police Michael S Raj said.

The policemen in the vehicles engaged the Maoists for some time, after which they were joined by 60 to 70 CRPF personnel, following which the ultras fled, Raj said.

The attack by the Maoists came on the last day of their 'PLGA week' from December 3 when they had killed eight Bihar policemen in Aurangabad district.

The Maoists had killed Pakur Superintendent of Police Amarjit Balihar in July this year.