12 killed as Naxals trigger blast in state

NAGPUR: At least 12 members of a marriage party, including four women, were killed on Tuesday when Naxalites triggered a landmine blast in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district bordering Chhattisgarh, police said.

Police said the group was travelling in a jeep and returning home to Kanker when the blast took place at about 4.30 am in Gadhchiroli district.  The eight men and four women were killed on the spot.

The incident took place just 11 km from the border near Khalbera village in Maharashtra when the victims were on their way from Sundernagar in the state to Kanker district in Chattisgarh, police said.

According to police officials, the Communist Party of India-Maoist's local unit, Attapalli Damal, was involved in the attack.

All the deceased were from Kanker district's Pakhanjoor locality. Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra Police have launched a joint operation in the area to nab the attackers.